Wheeldale Moor Circular

A complete circular walk of 11.3 miles (18.4 km), starting and finishing at roadside off-road parking just south of Wheeldale Bridge. Distances here follow the full loop, with 820 ft (248 m) of ascent and around 6 hours of walking at a moderate grade. Height on the route runs from about 178 m near the beck up to roughly 322 m on the high moor and back down again.

The payoff is the contrast: the early section uses forest tracks and lanes, then a long, exposed heather moorland crossing with wide views and very little sign of anyone else.

• Set off along Keys Beck Road and into the tracks of Cropton Forest.
• Descend through the forest to Priest's Sike Slack, then follow a farm track north of Howth Rigg.
• Join a short road section before the open-country path begins.
• Follow boundary stones across White Moor and Wheeldale Moor, passing Blue Man i' th' Moss and heading towards Bumble Wood.
• Return to Wheeldale Road and the ford near the start.

The last four miles or so cross open-access moorland on a simple walkers' path, with few rights of way and sparse waymarking. Boundary stones are the main line of reference. Expect boggy ground, degraded matting, and short wooden walkways beside boggy pools that can lead the eye the wrong way, plus rough, rocky going on the drop back to Wheeldale Road. In wet weather paths can run like streams. Carry a map and compass, know how to use them, and save this section for good visibility.

This is a remote walk, and no facilities along the way are documented in the supplied evidence. Once you leave the forest there are no easy shortcuts back, so plan for the full six hours, carry your own food and water, and dress for wind and rain on high ground.

Close to the start, on Wheeldale Moor, a roughly mile-long stretch of ancient road known as Wade's Causeway survives with its hard core and drainage ditches still visible. It is free to visit on foot during daylight hours and makes a natural add-on before or after the loop.

Parking is roadside just south of Wheeldale Bridge, beyond the river ford, so park considerately and leave the road clear. Farm livestock is likely on and around the moor. Keep dogs under close control near stock, and on moorland keep them on a lead no longer than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds. No barbecues or naked flames on the moor.