Swainby, Faceby & Whorlton

Thursday 19th May 2022

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

Swainby, Faceby & Whorlton

A late afternoon walk in lovely sunshine, enjoying the gentle terrain and woodland on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Timing was perfect as the Bluebells were in full bloom and Hawthorn trees with their white and pink flowers complementing the lush green backdrop of this sumptuous countryside.

Wildlife was abundant throughout, as we spotted Roe Deer, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and many others in addition to the hundreds of rabbits dotted all over the route.

A very enjoyable walk was completed properly with a beer sitting outside of the Black Horse in Swainby

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 5.3 miles
Duration: 2:00 hours
Ascent: 764 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Accompanied By: Ste
Weather: Hot & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

Roadside parking in the beautiful village of Swainby in North Yorkshire.

Heading out from the village on the lane in the direction of Scugdale.

A left turn as we start to head towards the Cleveland Way

Views of Whorl Hill to the left and Carlton Bank in the distance

Staying on the Cleveland Way for a while as we enter the woodland.

The woods were awash with bluebells

The gentle woodland path makes for an enjoyable stroll & chat.

Out into the warm sunshine as we cross towards Huthwaite Green.

Looking back with a backdrop of Near Moor.

Huthwaite Green - Woodpecker spotting

That's a photograph of the Roe Deer which was watching us - It is there, but even 'Where's Wally' practitioners wouldn't be able to spot it due to my limited photographic skills.

Looking westwards towards Whorl Hill

The country track as we head towards Faceby.

Located in the small village of Faceby is the Church of St Mary Magdalene which is regularly attended by 11 people apparently.

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

Bluebells and Hawthorn trees - What a lovely combination with the Vale of Mowbray as a backdrop.

Hundreds of rabbits everywhere - and many burrow systems like these are on show.

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 - I can remember going in here a few years back, so the restrictions must have come into force fairly recently.

And now back into beautiful Swainby, with it's impressive Church of the Holy Cross, which was built in 1877. A really enjoyable walk all round. Right - Lets get that pint of Real Ale and finish the day properly.