We are the York Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Where we will walk
Open, well made footpaths (some may be muddy), forest tracks, and lanes.
This is a north-south walk, centred around Thornton Dale and taking in parts of Dalby Forest. Initially we walk up the west side of Thornton Dale, alongside Thornton Beck, through the tiny hamlet of Ellerburn and past the fish hatchery. After a spell in the forest, we emerge onto a track with good views up and down the valley. After another wooded section we reach the northernmost point of the walk. Turning sharply south, we reach Low Dalby, where we will have lunch. We pass by The Courtyard (where the bicycle shop is and, more importantly, toilets). We then follow a path alongside Dalby Beck, re-joining the forest tracks after about a mile. Emerging again into open country, we pick up the outward route, past St Hilda’s church and along Thornton Beck, returning to our starting point on Priestman’s Lane.
The walk starts gently and there are a couple of long but gentle climbs.
Leader Pam
Assistance Dogs Only
Start place: Priestman’s Lane. Notices proclaim that you can park on the single yellow lines along the lane from 6 October to sometime in March. There is also a car park opposite the mill building, £4 all day. There are toilets in the main Thornton car park (off Maltongate) and in the Pickering car parks.
