Rosedale Abbey, Thorgill, Dale Head and the Ironstone Kilns & Moorland Railway circular walk.

Plenty of spaces in the centre of Rosedale Abbey on this wet Saturday morning in September.

Heading out from the centre towards a small lane in the direction of the large campsite.

I took this route which went directly into the campsite itself.

I did manage to go wrong here - In a rush to get out of the site and into the open countryside, I went straight on for a few yards here, soon returning to this spot to take a right turn this time - There was an arrowed marker for both directions in my defence, but 5 mins in and I'd already made a mistake.

That's better - I can see the valley ahead and soon will be out of the camping/caravaning site.

A clearly defined path is easy to follow, and Blakey Ridge is always on your left guiding you into the valley.

Woodland near Thorgill

I had a choice here, I took the bridge over the River Seven, although I could have also took the path through to Thorgill Farm and back onto the road. Don't think there's much to choose between the two.

At least I get to see you fine creatures.

Onto the last section of the Dale Road as it peters out near Gill Bank.

Thorgill.

Fortunately, it was shut, just as well as I don't have Forty Shillings anyway (I am retired you know).

Rosedale Valley & Rosedale Moor up top.

These chaps seemed interested in me - maybe it took their minds of the wet and dreary weather.

The bridleway continues on past High House Farm. The valley was extremely quiet today, I assume everyone was expecting bad weather (they were wise to stay at home as I was soon to find out).

There's a few ways to walk down Rosedale - this is probably the easiest. If you have a little more energy, you can always turn left back at Gill Bank and climb up and walk northwards along the Blakey Ridge before heading back down to Dale Head and picking up the route I took today. But bearing in mind the weather, this was probably the best choice.

Dale Head and Dale Head Farm.

Looking back over the meadows towards Blakey Ridge.

Dale Head Farm - Open for refreshments too.

Now that's what I call a sign! Probably painted in anger, after one too many walkers had ventured into his farm looking for the path up to the old railway line.

It doesn't look like much in fairness, but the climb certainly gets you puffing a bit. This is looking back down the path.

Time for a breather at the top. A right turn and onto the very easy-going old cinder track.

It's not long before the industrial relics start to appear. The old limestone kilns can be seen for miles and they are quite impressive.

Approaching the huge Iron Kilns.

Florence Terrace with Blakey Ridge in the distance.

And now the Stone Kilns.

It was just before this point near Hill Cottages, Swine Stye Hill, that the heavens opened. I was fully togged up in waterproofs, but it was really torrential. I had intended to finish the walk going via Northdale and its beck, but the weather had become so atrocious, that I decided to call it a day and head back down the lane directly to Rosedale Abbey rather than the slightly longer countryside route.

A Rosedale Hall & Great War Memorial.

The rain was now bouncing up off the road - It was quite impressive, but no matter how good your waterproofs are, water can always seep in somewhere. Yep, I'm feeling a tad damp around my waist, too late to adjust now - Well, I'll be back at the car soon and will be able to enjoy a respite from the downpour.

Typical, the suns breaking through! Oh well, they can't all be great weather days.