Boltby Forest circular

Parked up alongside the Holy Trinity Church in the pretty little village of Boltby

It was a clear and frosty morning as I headed out from the village in the direction of Sneck Yate Bank on the road to Hawnby.

Looking Eastwards towards Boltby Scar.

Leaving the road after 10 minutes via this left turn and then onto the public footpath.

They don't want you to go much further down this lane - better do as I'm told ! I wonder what's actually up there though? Well, with guard dogs around, I'm not curious enough to try and find out.

Running along the top of that escarpment in the distance is the Cleveland Way.

Viewing the route southwards of Lunshaw Beck with the winter sun breathing more beauty into the still, cool sumptuous North Yorkshire countryside.

A bit wobbly - but that's me I'm talking about.

An un-named tarn on Lunshaw Beck. Maybe it's another 'Innominate Tarn' as per the Haystacks one, but not quite as famous.

Skirting the woods.

Mentioned to this chap, that he'd shot loads more than all those losers up there put together !

Heading towards Low Paradise Farm.

Now there's a small stile here and after a quick look up the road to the right, I came back to it and decided it was the way I should be going and stepped over it. After 30 yards uphill I reached the Cleveland Way path and all was well. However, if I had turned left it may have been a slightly more gentle ascent to join the Cleveland Way path - but not much difference though to be honest.

Looking back down to the stile and signpost after the very short climb.

High Paradise Farm all quiet in December. There are often walkers here enjoying a drink or bite to eat, but not at this time of year.

Atop the Hambleton Hills range.

Heading into Boltby Forest.

With all the grouse shooting going on in the distance, at times I felt like I was in the woods around Bastogne - But in North Yorkshire the trees don't explode!

Arriving at Steeple Cross and time for a coffee and Christmas Pigs in Blankets sandwich.

After an enjoyable stop, I turned left and headed towards Cowesby Moor.

My left turn as I head downhill

As I head towards Gurtof Wood (ahead), I had to cross a forestry track before following the single track through the woods which was a tad muddy in places.

The path down through the woods was nice and frozen in the main but there were a few damp bits to negotiate.

Plus a fallen tree which was a long way down for me at 6' 4"

Out of the woodland and atop of a sort of makeshift summit. You can now see the extent of the tree felling that has recently taken place.

After picking up the forestry track running parallel to the felled trees, I headed through a corn field that looked looked like it could be a maze - fortunately my direct route was straight ahead and very easy to follow.

Arriving at the outskirts of Boltby and the end of todays very enjoyable walk.