After an earlier hike in the area which passed through part of Danby (Castleton to Commondale, Danby and back) I thought it was time to explore the Danby area a bit more.
This route completes a loop in a clockwise direction, following the railway line east, thenheading up into the hills and around back to Danby.
Starting in the center of Danby, parking here head south down the main road and crossing the railway line.
Turn left at Ainthorpe and continue along Easton Lane for around 2 miles.
Danby castle at the top of the hill.
And a close-up.
Crossing the River Esk.
Here's the first view of the track the route takes us, to the left of the hill ahead and past Head House.
Turn right at the junction with Furnace Farm, with a spectator.
This is the track up the hill, looking back down towards Furnace Farm. It is a bit of an uphill trek to the top of the hill.
The path then turns from a track to a grassy path along the edge of some fields next to Crag Wood.
Through gaps in the wood there are some great views across the valley.
The path continues across the top of Danby Crag.
It gets a bit more overgrown by Walker's Plantation.
Heading down the hill, west past Stonebeck Gate Farm.
Keep following the road north west until you get to this junction. The route follows the dirt track, just visible, off to the right in this pic.
The track gets quite steep as it climbs up Danby Rigg.
A tiring climb in the sunshine, but wirth it for the views. This pic shows the other side of the valley, where the route took us earlier.
An easy track to follow over the moors at the top of the hill.
Keep following the track on a pretty much straight line, past the standing stone.
The path then starts to head downhill back to Danby in the distance.
And back to Danby and Tiggy.
Other routes in the area: