Swainby & Faceby circular walk

Tuesday 3rd September 2024

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

Swainby & Faceby circular walk. A warm stroll on our wedding anniversary.

One of our regular short walks that we enjoy. This one was slightly shortened as we explored an alternative route which cut off a little bit of woodland walking. Personally, I'd go back to our usual one as the short cut was just a country lane with the benefit of staying out in the sun a little while longer - something that is a big priority with Mrs R.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 4.7 miles
Duration: 2:00 hours
Ascent: 594 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Accompanied By: Christine
Weather: Warm & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

Parked up on the roadside in the centre of Swainby in North Yorkshire.

The impressive Holy Cross church in Swainby.

Heading out from the village on the lane in the direction of Scugdale we decided to stay in the sunshine and try the direct lane to Heathwaite. It was okay, but I think our usual route is better, by staying on the road and taking the Cleveland Way footpath further up. That will take you into the woods, but it is a much more enjoyable and varied route.

The country lane to Heathwaite as we cut off the corner.

The woods that we would normally walk through. These are full of bluebells in the spring.

Back on the main path as we join the Cleveland Way for a short while.

A bit of woodland walking after all. The gentle woodland path makes for an enjoyable stroll & chat.

Out into the warm sunshine as we cross towards Whorl Hill.

Following the lane in the direction of Faceby.

On the outskirts of the village we pick up the footpath that heads towards the village church.

St Mary Magdalene, Faceby

Always a bit off putting when walking through someone's back garden - but this is well arranged and signposted and what a lovely garden.

Spring time is much better when the bracken is short - Christine wasn't overly impressed by these head high green things.

Whorlton - The old 12th century church and it's Yew tree covering, with all the inhabitants of this abandoned village long gone - possibly due to the plague & black death ? But the remains of the castle can still be found further down the lane.

All that remains of Whorlton Castle is a 14th century gatehouse but it is enough to suggest that the castle would have been an impressive sight in it's day. There is no longer public access on to the castle site.

After this castle, it was a hop skip and a jump and we were already back in Swainby - Rather than the Black Horse, we went to the Blacksmiths Arms for a change and sat in their beer garden with our anniversary drinks.

A lovely way to spend a couple of hours in North Yorkshire.