Harome to Nunnington Circular

A 6-mile (9.6 km) complete loop starting and finishing beside the old Methodist chapel in Harome, allowing about 2 hours 20 minutes at a steady pace. It is officially rated easy and family-friendly, linking two villages through riverside meadow, farmland and woodland edge.

The payoff is the contrast: two very different rivers, quiet field crossings between them, and a woodland section that breaks up the open farmland.

• Leave Harome through pasture and drop to the River Riccal, crossing by bridge and following the water.
• Cross arable farmland, then a farm bridge, to reach Nunnington.
• Pick up the River Rye and head toward Low Moor plantation, looping around Plump Wood.
• Return along the river and farm tracks to Harome, using a new bridge on the way back.

Mostly paths, with some dirt road and a short asphalt stretch. The ground is low-lying and gently rolling rather than hilly, with only a few metres of rise and fall across the whole circuit, so effort is low.

What actually slows people down:

Boots or sturdy shoes are the sensible choice. The route includes paths, wet or muddy farm ground, kissing gates and a stile, and it is not step-free. Carry OS Explorer OL 26 North York Moors (Western Area) for the field-path junctions.

• Wet and muddy ground on riverside and field paths after rain
• Kissing gates and one stile
• Farm-path surfaces that stay uneven underfoot

Riparian, woodland and farmland habitats sit side by side, which is why the wildlife list is long for such a short walk.

Any time of day works for bird and wildlife watching. For photography, low light early and late suits the river reflections, and owls or bats may possibly be about at those hours, though sightings are never certain. The middle of the day is better for the open farmland views.

• River Riccal: dippers and pied wagtails
• River Rye: herons and kingfishers, with a chance of an otter
• Farmland: barn owls, and possibly a foraging badger
• Long summer and autumn evenings: bats

The walk begins next to the old Methodist chapel in Harome. Free on-street parking is reported near the start, but spaces are limited and village lanes need to stay clear, so arrive prepared to park considerately or walk in from further along.

Dogs are welcome on the public rights of way, with real responsibilities on this route:

• Livestock is common in the farm fields, and dogs must never chase or worry animals
• Keep dogs short-leaded (under 2 m) from 1 March to 31 July for ground-nesting birds
• Keep dogs under control at all times, and expect to lift or manage them at stiles and kissing gates

If 6 miles is more than you want, the Nunnington Circular Route covers similar countryside as an easy 4-mile circular walk.