Secret Scugdale and Lord Stones

A moderate hike round the Northwestern corner of the North York Moors National Park. This route will follow parts of the Cleveland Way and offers extensive views over Teesside, North Yorkshire and towards the Pennine Fells.

The first part of the walk uses an old farm track to ascend to near the top of Beacon Hill meeting the Cleveland Way at Scarth Nick continuing into the hidden valley of Scugdale through woodland and meadows.  A quiet lane winds along the valley bottom passing cottages and farms and revealing views very few people see as the more popular routes bypass this valley.   Shortly before meeting the head of the valley a path turns to climb the slope on to the moors at Barkers Crags on a relatively easy gradient and a good track is joined heading north .

The half way point brings the walk to Carlton Bank and the adjacent popular Lord Stones Café where there is an option to make use of the catering facilities and shop. This break will be longer so people can order hot food.

The return route follows the Cleveland Way with a steep climb over Carlton Moor and Live Moor close to Swainby and follows the shoreline of Cod Beck Reservoir passing the youth hostel.

This will be a moderately paced walk. There will be plenty of stops for photographs of the scenery and wildlife.