Hutton-le-Hole – North York Moors Dog Walk
Walk Stats
| Start/finish: National Park car park, Moor Lane, Hutton-le-Hole, YO62 6UB (grid reference SE 705 902) | |||
| Terrain: Farm and woodland tracks and trails; country lanes; short stretch along edge of open moorland | |||
| Dog-friendly refreshments: The Crown and The Old School House Deli, both in Hutton-le-Hole; The Blacksmiths Arms, Lastingham | |||
| Notes for dog owners: No stiles; livestock might be encountered |
Overview
There are dozens of picturesque villages scattered across the North York Moors and this walk starts from one of the loveliest of the lot: Hutton-le-Hole. Lines of quaint, stone-built cottages line the banks of Hutton Beck which meanders through the middle of the village green. During the summer, it’s a magnet for picnicking families.
This walk heads east from the village, over fields, through woods and across low moorland to another pretty village, Lastingham. At the half-way point, this is a good place to grab a bite to eat, with The Blacksmiths Arms – parts of which welcomes dogs – serving lunches seven days a week. The route then climbs to Spaunton after which it takes to arable farmland fringed by colourful wildflowers and with superb views over the surrounding countryside.
The Walk
When another footpath peels off to the left, continue beside the fence on your right. Continue in the same direction beyond the end of the fence and then turn left along a solid track. Reaching the road, turn left to enter Lastingham. Pass between the church and the Blacksmith’s Arms and then turn right. This lane climbs steadily from the village.
Before the trees obscure your view, turn round to see the grouse moorland rising beyond Lastingham. In late summer, when the heather is in flower, this becomes a carpet of vibrant purple.
Beyond the trees, take the road on the right. After passing through Spaunton – home to a restored pinfold, where wandering livestock used to be impounded – follow it round to the right. A few yards after this bend, cross the cattle grid on your left – with a gate beside it for dogs. Bear right when the concrete track quickly forks.
Photography: @viviennecrow
At the far end of the buildings of Grange Farm, turn right along a rougher farm track. This then bends left. The track then bends left for a second time and passes farm sheds on the right. About 170 yards (155m) beyond the sheds, turn right along a grassy track between the fields.
About 75 yards (68m) after this track later bends left, leave the field by turning right at a footpath sign. The path soon starts heading downhill through the trees and then bends left. About 40 yards (36m) beyond this bend, pass through a gap in the trees on the right and then immediately turn left. A trail heads through the trees. After a gate, follow the path down the steep, bracken-covered hillside.
Photography: @viviennecrow
The path then swings left and drops to a waymarker. Bear right here, continuing downhill. Bear left on joining a clearer path in the valley bottom, soon walking with a tiny beck on your right. Beyond a gate, continue over some grass to the road. Turn right and walk into Hutton-le-Hole, later returning to the folk museum. Now retrace your steps to the car park.
Vivienne Crow has written dozens of walking guidebooks. These include Walking in Northumberland, published by Cicerone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Hutton-le-Hole is a great walk for dogs, with no stiles on the entire route. Livestock may be encountered along the way, so keep dogs under close control at all times. Do remember that sheep worrying is a criminal offence, and this includes chasing as well as attacking livestock.
Yes, there is a car park at the start of the walk at the National Park car park, Moor Lane, Hutton-le-Hole. Satnav postcode: YO62 6UB (grid reference SE 705 902).
There are several options on this walk. In Hutton-le-Hole itself, both The Crown and The Old School House Deli are conveniently located near the start and finish. At the halfway point, The Blacksmiths Arms in Lastingham serves lunches seven days a week and parts of the pub welcome dogs.
This is an easy to moderate walk of 4.3 miles (7km), taking approximately 2¼ hours. The route follows farm and woodland tracks, country lanes and a short stretch of open moorland, with no significant climbs.
