Route: Forge Valley
Area: North York Moors
Date of walk: 30th April 2014
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 7.7 miles
Weather: overcast
We parked in West Ayton and walked out of the village passing by the ruins of Ayton Castle. After walking through a couple of fields we joined the boardwalk which runs along Forge Valley, with the River Derwent on our right
Near the end of the valley, we left the boardwalk to cross the river over a footbridge and walked uphill along a narrow path through Forge Valley Woods. There was wild garlic growing everywhere, a wonderful sight – and smell
We carried on through the woodland until we finally emerged onto Seamer Moor, a complete contrast with the scenery that we’d enjoyed so far. This section was over flat agricultural land and it was a shame that the misty conditions obscured the views
After walking across the fields there was a very gentle descent through attractive countryside back into West Ayton
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In West Ayton at the start of the walk
Walking along Castle Rise
The remains of Ayton Castle
Looking across the River Derwent to East Ayton
Approaching Forge Valley
The boardwalk follows the course of the River Derwent along the valley bottom
Wild flowers lined the way………
Marsh marigold
Stitchwort
Bluebell
Wild Garlic
Wood anemone
Primrose
Forget me not
All too soon it was time to leave the boardwalk and cross over to the other side of the river
The River Derwent
After crossing the river - and the road - we followed a narrow path uphill
Wild garlic was growing everywhere
Forge Valley Wood
The path climbs higher and leads into Raincliffe Woods
We walk through a grove of ancient beech trees
We emerge from the woods onto Seamer Moor
Featureless white skies and haze spoilt the views on this part of the walk
The start of the long gentle descent from East Ayton Moor down into East Ayton
From East Ayton, looking back across to the ruins of Ayton Castle which we’d passed at the start of our walk
The old mill in West Ayton and we’re back to the start
