10.1 miles.
Explorer Map No 300, - Howardian Hills and Malton
A very easy walk that can be undertaken at any time of year.
There are no gradients to speak of, and much of the route uses forestry
tracks, farm tracks, and minor roads.
There was just one point where a wrong turning was taken, but this was
probably due to inattention rather than anything else.
Some of the road walking uses a section of the minor Helmsley - York road,
and a bit of care is needed.
However, there are some superb views on the walk, and the route can be
recommended for any fine, sunny day.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start Gilling East main street, opposite the Church. (SE61526
76922).
Head North up the street past the Fairfax Arms, then take the minor road
due West, - past the miniature model railway. Although this road is very
quiet, some traffic DOES use it and you need to watch out for this.
Continue along the road to the Fish Pond.
At the Fish Pond, take the Forestry track South through Scar Wood, and
continue, - first South and then East.
Continue along Forestry tracks to Piper Hill Plantation, where the tracks
divide opposite an old, ruined, Nissen Hut.
Take the left track that continues South to meet the minor Helmsley -
York road.
Continue South along this road until you come to a cross roads. Here turn
left and continue for a short distance.
Take the Forestry Track on your left through the Grimston Moor plantation,
heading East but then rejoining the minor road again.
Continue along the minor road until you come to a road on your left. Walk
up this for a short distance, when you see the footpath on your right
that takes you to the plantation above Thorn Tree Farm.
Continue East. Once back on the road again, continue until you find the
footpath on your left just past Cold Harbour Farm.
Take this footpath to the minor road North past Montreal Farm.
A little distance along is a track to Stocking Hill Farm. Follow the trach
through the farmyard, and then follow the waymark signs to follow the
field footpath to a track called Green Lane.
From here, descend to Cawton.
From Cawton, follow the minor road due West back to Gilling East.