Route: Fylingdales and Lilla Cross
Area: North York Moors
Date of walk: 14th March 2014
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 8.2 miles
Ascent: 900 feet
We parked at May Beck and walked beside the beck along a wide track through Newton House Plantation
Eventually we emerged onto open moorland in complete contrast from what had gone before, and there followed a long tramp through the heather, with distant views of Fylingdales early warning system looking like a giant sandcastle – I much prefer the three ‘golf balls’ that I remember from the 1960s
At the far point of the walk we made a short detour to see Lilla Cross, erected in AD 626 and believed to be the oldest Christian monument in Northern England. This coincided with the best spell of weather when we enjoyed some sun and blue skies
The return route was mostly over open moorland and it was a shame that the long distance views were so hazy. It was an enjoyable walk all the same and worth it for Lilla Cross alone
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
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May Beck car park
May Beck
Heading towards Newton House Plantation
We follow the path down into the forest
Forest track beside May Beck
Common toads (I think - if anyone can confirm or correct this please let me know)
They were heading for this pool, which was full of spawning amphibians
It was easy going through the forest
We suddenly emerged onto open moorland
York Cross - or what’s left of it
Gilly strides out over the moors
The going was very boggy in parts
Lilla Cross
On the return leg, and following the edge of Newton House Plantation
Not much use if you’re lost
We leave the moors to descend back into the valley
Looking down to the track to the car park
Nearly back to the car park
