Lastingham and Rosedale Circular

A circular walk of about 7.5 miles (12 km), measured as a complete loop starting from the National Park car park in Hutton-le-Hole and returning to the same village access. Allow roughly 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace, with around 230 m of ascent spread over several gradual climbs rather than one long pull.

The route mixes character quickly. Quiet village lanes and the beckside setting of Hutton-le-Hole give way to field paths and farm tracks, then a climb onto open moorland on the higher ground toward the Rosedale side before the descent back to the dale. Lastingham makes a natural halfway stop, and St Mary's Church is worth the pause for its atmospheric eleventh-century crypt and its links to St Cedd. Higher sections open out to broad views across the moor edge and surrounding dales.

Practical notes

There is little shade on the moorland section and no facilities between the villages, so carry water and a windproof layer, since exposed ground feels colder and breezier than the valley.

• Start and finish at the Hutton-le-Hole National Park car park, which is pay and display and has public toilets.
• Field paths and gateways can be wet and churned after rain, so expect mud and wear boots with grip.
• There are stiles and gates along the field sections, which may not suit everyone.
• Livestock is common in farm fields and on the moor. Keep to public rights of way, close gates, and give animals space.
• Dogs should be on a short lead near livestock and during the ground-nesting bird season, and must stay on public rights of way across most moorland open access land.
• Paths on open moorland can be faint and junctions unclear in mist, so carry a map and compass or a GPS route and know how to use them.
• Short stretches follow tarmac lanes through and between the villages. Walk on the right-facing side where there is no verge and watch for traffic.