Hutton Lowcross Trail

A circular loop of 3.7 miles (6 km) that starts and finishes at the visitor centre at Pinchinthorpe. Allow around two and a half hours at a steady walking pace. Follow the white markers the whole way round.

The route climbs away from the visitor centre through mixed woodland, mostly on forest tracks with some road and farmland sections. It reaches the Hanging Stone, where a small detour off the main line opens out views over Teesside and the coast, then drops down past Blue Lake, once used to store water for the hydraulic machinery at Home Farm. From there the loop closes back at the visitor centre, so there is no need to arrange a return.

This is a moderate walk with one moderate steep climb, and the profile stays hilly rather than flat, topping out around 258 m before easing back down. Expect:

Boots or sturdy shoes with grip make more difference here than anything else.

• Forest tracks and short stretches of rural road
• Farmland sections where surfaces can be soft or uneven after wet spells
• Steeper inclines in places, both up and down

Start from the visitor centre access at 8 Old Station Cottages, Pinchinthorpe, Guisborough TS14 8HD, and use the car park there. It is the natural place to sort out layers and water before the climbing starts.

Dogs are welcome in the forest. Keep yours close and in sight, and on a lead if recall is patchy, especially on the farmland sections and near livestock. Take extra care around the water at Blue Lake, keep dogs from chasing people or wildlife, and clean up after them.

You trade a single famous summit for a longer, quieter mix of forest, farmland and one good viewpoint. If a landmark payoff is the priority, nearby Roseberry Topping is the more obvious outing. This loop suits anyone who would rather spend the time under trees with a view as a bonus.