August walks in the Moors

The North York Moors National Park Authority is offering a series of walks this August – ranging from a three mile ramble along the coast to hunt for fossils to an all-day, 12 mile adventure up hill and down dale.

•On Thursday 5 August, explore the hidden gems of Beck Dale and Ash Dale near Helmsley when Interpretation Officer Mark Lewis leads a 6.5 mile walk which includes a scenic stop for a picnic.
•Go fossil hunting on Friday 13 August on a 3 mile walk with Coastal Officer John Beech between Staithes and Port Mulgrave.
•Gear up for Saturday 21 August, when Ranger Matt Fitzgerald will lead an all-day 12 mile walk to take in the spectacular views found on the high moors around The Moors National Park Centre in Danby.
•Join Senior Ranger David Smith to learn about the importance of the park’s heather moorland on a 3.5 mile walk over Levisham Moor on Sunday 22 August. Participants will also get to see birds of prey close up and find out more about the management work undertaken by the Levisham Moor Group of the British Falconers Club.
•The final walk in the series takes place on Sunday 29 August when Voluntary Ranger Dave Perry looks at the archaeology and ancient rock art to be found in the Cleveland Hills on a five mile walk starting from Clay Bank.

“With the moors taking on their much-photographed purple flush, August is a great time to be out,” says Sally Ann Smith, the Authority’s Events and Exhibitions Coordinator. “More than just a walk in the park, this series of guided rambles will offer an insight to some of the area’s hidden gems and the work being done to conserve them.”

Most of the walks cost £2.50 with no charge for children [the 12 mile moorland walk costs £3 per adult and £1.50 per child) and booking is advisable to guarantee a place. To book, please call ✆ 01439 772738.