Hole of Horcum & Levisham circular walk

Plenty of parking at the Saltergate Car Park on the A169.

Across the busy 'A' road, down some steps and then the walk can start proper.

Effectively the start and the finish. I decided to do this walk via the moorland first, i.e. anti-clockwise, so I took the large right-hand path.

The Hole of Horcum is a spectacular feature in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park – a huge natural amphitheatre 400 feet deep and more than half a mile across. According to local legends, it was formed when Wade the Giant scooped up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument. Know exactly how he feels. It was actually created by a process called spring-sapping, whereby water welling up from the hillside has gradually undermined the slopes above, eating the rocks away grain by grain. Over thousands of years, a once narrow valley has widened and deepened into an enormous cauldron – and the process still continues today.

Heading out into Levisham Moor with the moors awash with purple heather.

Trying to take photo's of a Golden Plover that stayed with me for 10-15 minutes.

Red rag to a bull ?? But these were very friendly chaps !

That could be a storm brewing - It is very humid after all. Hope I give it the slip.

Arriving at Levisham - The local Horseshoe pub was doing great business, but I found a quiet spot and enjoyed my packed lunch.

St John the Baptist, Levisham, is a nineteenth century Church.

As you leave the village there is a Public Footpath sign and a left turn. I followed this path and stayed at height all the way into the valley.

Did have a wander down the bank to take a picture here - remember doing the same many years ago.

The single file path I followed through the woodland.

Not a great deal of ascent on this walk, but there were still a few small climbs.

Looks like I'm going the right way.

Levisham Woods, Ryedale.

I soon caught up with this group of Ramblers - 13 of them, so no chance to pass on the single file track and they were all merrily chatting away they didn't notice me for about 1/2 mile. It wasn't until a fallen branch crossed the path and the group leaders decided to re-locate it to improve the way did my presence become obvious. I was soon lifting and moving a heavy log, but at least I was able to get ahead when all was done. Wonder if I have any ibuprofen in my bag?

Gradually I emerged from the woods and started to enjoy the start of the Hole of Horcum.

Crossing Levisham Beck.

Open countryside now and into the heart of the Hole of Horcum.

A brief and colourful look back as I gradually climb out of the ravine and head for the car.