9.9 miles.

Explorer Map OL26 - North York Moors (Western Area)

A very pleasant walk which starts and finishes in the market town of Helmsley.
The walk sets out by travelling up Beck Dale, then crossing over to Riccal Dale.
The tracks and footpaths are all well-defined and clearly indicated, although there has been a significant footpath diversion at Reagarth Farm. We found that even with a relatively recent 1:25000 OS map there was a significant difference between the footpath on the map and the actual footpath. However, the diversions are well marked.
There are a few stiles, but these were well maintained.
The only section which provided any difficulty was the descent into Riccal Dale. This follows a steep and narrow path, with a somewhat uneven surface. Considerable care is need descending this path.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)

Some new mapping software is now available 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 web site, - just use QUO!!

Start from long stay car park in Helmsley (SE61062 83787).
Head out along the road to Stokesley (B1257). Just past the "picture postcard" cottage beside the beck the footpath up Beck Dale is indicated by a finger post.
Follow the track all the way up Beck Dale until you come to a point (SE594 872) where a finger post directs you to turn sharp left along a track. (At this point, there is also a footpath which follows the edge of the woodland and brings you to the same point as the track).
The track (and footpath) reach a point where there is a gate that takes you onto a footpath across farmland South of High Baxton's Farm.
The footpath emerges at a minor road. Turn left and just past the farm turn right down the farm track / footpath. Continue past Carlton Grange Farm.
When you reach the minor road, cross over and take the farm track towards Riccal Dale.
Watch out for the finger post on your right which directs you (on the Tabular Hills Walk) down into Riccal Dale.
The track here is steep and narrow and follows uneven ground. Care is needed.
You emerge at a Forestry track, Turn right and follow the track through Riccal Dale.
(The "Gamekeeper's Memorial Bench" can be found just after where the above track that descends in Riccal Dale meets the Forestry track.)
Follow the track through Riccal Dale until at SE631 847 at footpath is indicated on your right.
Follow this footpath Northwards until at SE628 849 a gate leads you out onto a field footpath to Monk Gardens Lane.
Turn left in the lane towards Reagarth Farm. Just before the farm follow the finger post and waymarks to find the footpath back to Helmsley.