Often on road trips over the moors we drive through Castleton and Danby and in my scout days visited Commondale. So it was time to visit them all as part of a hike.
A long hike between around three villages, parking in this large gravel car park on the outskirts of Castleton and heading clockwise to Commondale. Then following the Esk Valley walk back alongside the trainline to Danby and back to Castleton to complete the loop, along the main road in parts.
Here’s the car park, plenty of room and plenty of views.
The start of the route heads south west away from Castleton towards, but not quite to, Carr House.
With some great views along the way the path loops around, following a stream to Dibble Bridge which we don’t cross.
Keep along the path onto New Road for a short distance then head northwest past Hare Slark House towards Commondale. Just the one muddy footbridge to negotiate as I passed through many fields up to Commondale.
Just before Commondale, some Donkeys.
And just after Commondale, a Lama.
Just as you get to Commondale turn right down a footpath, so you don’t actually get into the village. It’s then a case of turning south east back in the direction of Castleton but on the other side of the valley. Following a gravel track for a around three miles past the north of Castleton and then east to Danby along the Esk Valley Walk.
Finally you get to Danby. Turn right with the church to your left and head over the railway line at this bridge by the train station.
Now, at the most eastern point, follow the road west back through to Castleton. The route does leave the roadside at one point by a small hill at Danby Low Moor, but mainly follows the road through Castleton and back to Tiggy.
Tiggy as always made some friends whilst I was away. A pic good enough to be made the home photo for tiggytours.uk!
Other routes in the area: