There is a wealth of walking opportunities nearby, suitable for all levels of ability. Choose anything from a gentle stroll of a few miles along a well graded track right up to a long slog across the high moor to one of the iconic moorland crosses. The North York Moors combine a dramatic coastline, wild upland moorland, interesting villages, and carefully tended farmland in the valley bottoms. Add to this numerous points of interest from the Moors’ industrial heritage, a substantial number of ruined abbeys and castles, and what is arguably the foremost steam railway in the country. All can be explored on foot using a well developed network of footpaths, bridleways and open access land within the North York Moors National Park.

Bramwood is close to Pickering town centre so you have a choice of restaurants nearby for your evening meal. Being in a town also gives you the opportunity of leaving your car behind and taking the steam railway or the bus to or from the start or finish of your day’s walk. We have the timetables and can advise on options. In the peak summer months the Moorsbus network operates daily. It offers very good value: travel for the whole day for £4 (2007 prices) and is a walker’s delight because it allows the planning of linear routes through remote parts of the moor.

As a taster, here are some of our favourite walks:

Hole of Horcum circular across Levisham Moor and via Skelton Tower. (about 10km, 6 miles). This walk offers spectacular views across and down into Newtondale. Time it right and a steam train will thunder up Newtondale whilst you sit at Skelton Tower taking in the view.

Blakey Topping via Thompsons Rigg and Crosscliff. (about 8km, 5 miles) Local legend has it that the distinctive conical shaped Blakey Topping was formed when Wade (a local giant) scooped up a clod of earth (which formed the Hole of Horcum – see above) and threw it at Bel, his long suffering wife. Fortunately he missed, but Blakey Topping is where the earth landed.

The Bridestones and Staindale Lake. (about 10km, 6 miles) The stones stand on the edge
of a steep sided valley and have weathered into unusual shapes – typically wide at the top and narrower lower down. Abundant birdlife around the lake.

As well as all these local walking opportunities we can offer the following extras:-

• We are members of the national Walkers Welcome scheme and have been assessed on our facilities for walkers.
• We can offer advice and suggestions on suitable routes from our own experience of walking and running the local paths. John is a keen fell runner, Marilyn is a “soft Southerner” in exile, so we feel we can safely say that we cover all levels between us.
• We may be able to arrange for a local guide to lead your walk (any level) and hopefully to take you to those parts of the Moors that you might not otherwise find.
• We have a substantial collection of maps and guidebooks, all of which are available for you to borrow. All we ask is that you return them in good condition.
• Should the weather be unkind, we will do our very best to dry your outdoor clothing and boots for the following day.
• If you give us 24 hours notice we will prepare a basic packed lunch for you (price and content to be agreed), and there are several cafés and bakers shops in town which will offer you a wider choice of provisions.