Great Arden Moor circular walk

Saturday 24th January 2026

An easy circular walk on a cool, dry and slightly murky January afternoon.

After a night out, I needed some fresh air and exercise and with no early morning possible (Lakes was out), therefore, I decided on nipping over to the North Yorkshire Moors - always an easy option to stretch my legs.

Having started from Osmotherley/Square Corner in the past when walking in the Great Arden Moor area, I decided to start this walk over by Hawnby and Arden Hall for a change. I fancied about 8 miles today, nothing too adventurous, just enough to wake me up.

I was fortunate to find a reasonable spot to leave my car near Arden Hall and avoid adding another few miles onto the day by parking in Hawnby.

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Distance: 7.4 miles

Duration: 2:45 hours

Ascent: 1027 ft

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Accompanied By: On my Own

Weather: Cool & Dry

3D outline of route

Parking

I parked on the approach road near to Arden Hall

A bit further up the lane and this signpost gives you the impression that you can get to Kepwick - Not by car you can't.

Arden Hall - A well signposted route through the grounds exists.

Heading into North Moor Woods.

Oh dear! looks like I'll have to go up and around - No real issues.

Out from the woods and the moorland can be seen.

Looking eastwards through the gloomy skies with the wooland down below.

Soon I was joining the familiar stone bridleway paths synonymous with the North York Moors.

At this point, I had to decide whether to turn right and follow around the escarpment around Arden Great Moor or head straight over towards the Cleveland Way - I chose the latter today.

The bridleway meandered across the heather clad moorland passing grouse butts along the way. I actually could hear pheasant shooting in the distance throughout the afternoon.