GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Danby Beacon

6 miles (9.5 km)

This circular walk from the village of Danby climbs to Danby Beacon for wonderful views over the Fryup Dales. It follows quiet country lanes for most of route with splendid views of the heather covered moors and the River Esk. You'll also pass the excellent Moors National Park Centre with information, exhibitions and refreshments set in 13 acres of grounds on the banks of the River Esk. The walk passes the village of Houlsyke and the remains of the 14th century Danby Castle. Now a working farm the castle was once inhabited by Catherine Parr before she became the sixth wife of Henry VIII.
The walk starts in centre of Danby where parking is available. Danby also has a train station near the route start.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could head a few miles north to Scaling Dam where there is a delightful nature reserve and reservoir.

Postcode

YO21 2LZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Danby Beacon OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Danby Beacon Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head south east into Lealholm and you could enjoy some post exercise refreshments at The Board Inn. The stone built pub dates back to the 17th century and serves good quality locally sourced dishes. In the summer months you can sit outside on the riverside patio and enjoy a lovely view with your meal. You can find them in the heart of the village at postcode YO21 2AJ for your sat navs. They also provide rooms if you would like to stay in the area.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Lealholm Circular Walk climbs to the beacon from the nearby village of Lealholm. It uses part of the long distance Esk Valley Walk to take you to the summit. The village is worth exploring too with picturesque stepping stones across the River Esk and a photogenic old stone bridge.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Danby Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 1602

The topograph on the beacon details the sights you can see from the excellent vantage point

Signpost at Danby Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 1747390

A bike propped up against the signpost at the Danby Beacon viewpoint

Road down from Danby Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 552624

Road down from the Beacon with Ainthorpe and Danby in the distance

Trig point at Danby Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 19325

Trig point at the Beacon. June evening, looking South as the last rays of the Sun catch hillsides in the Esk Valley.

Stump Cross, near Danby Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 77266

Stump Cross, near the Beacon. There are TWO Stump Crosses on the North Yorkshire Moors. One overlooks Bransdale, and this is the other one.

Wall Cloud at Danby Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 156351

Wall Cloud at the Beacon, May 2005. This cloud formation is rarely seen in the UK - it may form underneath an intense storm, usually a thunderstorm. This storm had run down the North Sea Coast in an unstable showery airflow, and as it came upon the higher ground of Danby Moor it intensified considerably - dropping hail and sleet although it was well into May.

The Moors National Park Centre at Danby Lodge in Esk Dale - geograph.org.uk - 2591542

The Moors National Park Centre at Danby Lodge in Esk Dale

The Village Shop and Post Office, Danby - geograph.org.uk - 908382

The Village Shop and Post Office, Danby

Elevation Profile

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Danby Beacon.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Danby Beacon.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)