Route: Kirk Dale
Area: North Yorkshire
Date of walk: 15th June 2017
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.5 miles
Ascent: 700 feet
Weather: Mixed sun and cloud
We parked in the overflow car park at St Gregory’s Minster (the main car park is best reserved for those attending services) and walked down the lane to visit the minster. This lovely little church dates from the 7th century. It became a centre from which missionary monks went out to preach the Celtic gospel and as a result it now has the distinction of being a minster, despite its modest size
After visiting the minster we continued to the end of the lane and passed through a gate to walk along a narrow valley. Near the end of the field we crossed Hodge Beck to follow a path along the edge of woodland
We then climbed up Cat Scar and near the top doubled back to climb steeply up the hill, eventually reaching open countryside. As we strode across the fields there were long distance views to the Moors looking north and the Vale of Pickering looking south
A short section along quiet lanes followed, taking us past Hagg Farm, and beyond the farm we turned right to follow a path descending gently down through Robin Hood’s Howl. There was wild garlic here growing in profusion but the flowers had gone by now, though their unmistakeable scent lingered on
At the end of the wooded valley we passed by Kirkdale Cave, an old quarry. In 1821 workmen discovered a cave in which they found hundreds of bones, the remains of bears, elephants, tigers and other animals that roamed the valley some 70,000 years ago
It was a short stroll from the quarry back to the end of a very enjoyable walk. It wasn’t the end of the day however, and there still remained time for a visit to nearby Nunnington Hall where we wandered round the beautiful organic garden before heading home
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St Gregory's Minster at the start of today's walk
Just beyond the minster we enter a narrow valley with woodland on either side
Further along the valley...
We follow the path through the woods
Climbing out of the woods
We emerge onto open countryside
We leave the fields to join Starfits Lane...
Dog rose in the hedgerow
Walking past Hagg Farm
Further along Hagg Road we turn into the woodland at the bottom of the hill
Robin Hood's Howl
Climbing out of the woods
Looking back along the narrow path
A short section leading back to the road
Looking back to Robin Hood's Howl
Kirkdale Cave - once home to elephants, tigers and bears
We cross the ford and just around the corner is journey's end
A short while later, we are welcomed to the gardens of Nunnington Hall by one of its peacocks
Nunnington Hall
Looking away from the hall
Wild meadow
The Nunnington Wishing Tree
Looking across the meadow
The herbaceous borders...
Views of the hall and the gardens...
Another peacock stands guard as we leave this beautiful place
