The Grey Panthers
1 June 2011, - Forge Valley & Raincliffe Woods
To return to main page, please close window

8.17 miles

Explorer Map OL27, - North York Moors Eastern Area

A walk through some extensive deciduous woodland, together with walking beside the peaceful River Derwent.
(Though,obviously, in wet weather walking beside the river might prove to be rather less than enjoyable).
The walk follows clear and well maintained paths and navigation is of no great difficulty.
There are a couple of moderately steep climbs, and one steep descent.

Memory Map
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)

Some new mapping software is now availabe which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers website, - just use QUO!!

Quo logo

Start from the "Old Man's Mouth" car park, located about 1 1/2 miles North of East Ayton on the minor road that runs through the Forge Valley ((SE98457 87083).
Cross the road, and on the left there is a footpath that runs steeply up a bank in the wods, before turning left and heading Northwards. Follow this footpath Northwards all the way until you come to a small car park.
Here, there is a gate that opens onto the track known as Middle Road that runs North Eastwards through woodland.
Follow this track all the way to Cock Hollow, then descend steeply to Throxenby Mere.
Walk round the mere, - using the board walk on the South shore and the road on the North.
Re-enter Raincliffe Woods from the mere, and take the South Westerly track uphill until you emerge looking out on farmland.
Here turn sharp right and follow the track round the outskirts of woodland to eventually reach Osborne House Farm.
Turn sharp left and follow the footpath to the raod.
Cross the road and then follow the footpath on the other side, beside the River Derwent, to East Ayton.
Entering East Ayton, turn left in Castle Lane then turn right to emerge at the parish church.
Head Westwards along the road and cross the River Derwent by the road bridge.
Take the SECOND road on your right and head Northwards until you come to a signposted public footpath.
THis path leads you back, past Ayton Castle and the River Derwent, to the Old Man's Mouth car park.