Lealholm to Glaisdale and back

Monday 29th November 2021

Walking Diary (All Walks) North Yorkshire & Co Durham Easy Walks North Yorkshire Moors

A change to todays plans - We had intended to get the train from Lealholm to Grosmont and walk the 7 miles or so back along the Esk Valley - but upon arrival at Lealholm station we found that our train had been cancelled, so a quick re-think and it had to be an out and back to Glaisdale.

Even though there was a snow covering, the walking temperature was good and just to be out in the countryside again was great.

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Distance: 6.8 miles
Duration: 2:45 hours
Ascent: 1129 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Accompanied By: Phil
Weather: Cool & Dry

3D outline of route

Parking

You can't see it in the photo - But it states that our train to Grosmont is 'CANCELLED' Damm - that's scuppered our plans for the afternoon.

As we left Lealholm station we decided to do half our intended walk and then back again, a similar distance overall, say 7 miles but just an out and back instead.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Lealholm

The pretty North Yorkshire village of Lealholm, the name means ‘the settlement by the willow trees’ – is sited in a lovely location on the banks of the River Esk with a good pub at the river crossing (The Board) Is it the pub, or the thought of a walk with me, that's put the smile on Mr Casino's face ?

The start of todays walk as we eventually find the easily visible signpost.

Snowy scenes as we cover the gentle terrain along the valley.

Don't let us ruin your lunch

I think it will have been a while since motorised vehicles forded here - Probably well back in the past, but I could quite imagine coach & horses crossing here.

I always remember this bit of the Esk Valley Way - You have to walk through someone's front and back gardens. It's well signposted, but it's just a bit surreal

Into 'The Green' woods - Not overly green and a bit 'squelchy' underfoot in places.

Back alongside the River Esk

It gets a bit more undulating as you near Glaisdale - Not the best time to go a bit further uphill than needs be (oops sorry) - but now back at ground zero and another deserted railway station.

Beggars Bridge As a true romantic myself, I tend to side with the 'Lovers Story' version of events

Talking of romantics - Here's Phil waiting to be swept off his feet by any passing young maiden

The railway line seems to disappear into the Esk here ? Is that why our train was cancelled ? What a lame excuse !

All quiet and serene as we head into East Arncliffe Woods. We decided to carry on for another 20 minutes and then turn round and head back. Not the day we had planned - a continuation to Grosmont would have been far better, but we had no choice due to our reliance on a train for the day. All the same a good chat and a fair bit of exercise in the countryside.

Possibly too much chat as we nearly miss our left turn for home !