Faceby Walks
The village of Faceby is located just west of Carlton in Cleveland on the edge of the North York Moors.
This walk from the village visits the historic Whorlton Castle and the neighbouring village of Swainby. On the way you will enjoy some splendid views over the surrounding countryside.
You can follow footpaths west from the village to reach the castle ruins. The medieval fortress was established in the early 12th century as a Norman motte-and-bailey associated with the nearby settlement. The ruined shell of a 14th-century gatehouse still survives and can viewed by the public.
From the castle footpaths continue west to Swainby where you can enjoy refreshments at a local pub.
Other local walking highlights include Lord Stones Country Park and Carlton Bank.
Please scroll down for the full list of walks near and around Faceby. The detailed maps below also show a range of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in the area.
Faceby Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Faceby Open Street Map 
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Faceby OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Faceby Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Faceby
- Carlton in Cleveland - This village in North Yorkshire sits in a fine spot on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
- Swainby - This little village is located in a nice position at the north-western corner of the North York Moors National Park
- Osmotherley - The North Yorkshire village of Osmotherley is situated on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park in the Hambleton Hills
- Cod Beck Reservoir - Enjoy a short walk around this pretty reservoir on the western edge of the North York Moors near Osmotherley
- Hambleton Hills - This walk explores the Hambleton Hills range on the western edge of the North York Moors
- Lyke Wake Walk - The Lyke Wake Walk is a complete crossing of the North Yorkshire Moors from west to east
- Lord Stones - Visit this ancient stone and enjoy fabulous views from Cringle Moor on this exhilirating circular walk on the North York Moors
- Wainstones - Climb Hasty Bank Hill and visit the fascinating Wainstones on this circular walk in the North York Moors
- Silton Forest - Enjoy miles of mountain bike trails and footpaths in this large coniferous forest on the North York Moors
- Penshaw Monument - Climb Penshaw Hill and visit this iconic Sunderland landmark on this short walk in Tyne and Wear
- Roseberry Topping - Climb to the summit of this distinctive hill near Guisborough and enjoy wonderful views across the beautiful North York Moors National Park
- Ingleborough Mountain - This walk climbs to Ingleborough, one of Yorshire's Three Peaks, standing at a height of 723 metres (2,372 ft)
- Whernside - Climb to the highest point in North Yorkshire on this challenging circular walk in the Yorkshire Dales
- Captain Cook's Monument - Enjoy a walk from Great Ayton to this iconic landmark on Easby Moor
- Carlton Bank - This walk climbs to Carlton Bank on Carlton Moor in the North York Moors National Park.
- Stokesley - This attractive market town is located in a fine position in the North York Moors National Park
Photos
Faceby, North Yorkshire. The village has historical roots going back centuries, with mentions in the 19th-century Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales. Back then, it was a quiet chapelry within the parish of Whorlton, consisting of a small number of houses and agricultural land. Faceby Hall, once home to the Favell family, was a notable estate in the area during this period.
Faceby has also gained historical interest due to its ties with Mormon emigration in the mid-19th century. Some residents from the village joined the broader wave of migration to the United States, seeking religious freedom and new opportunities. Their journey, like many others, was arduous, marked by rough sea crossings and difficult conditions.
Today, Faceby retains much of its rural charm, with scenic landscapes typical of the North York Moors region surrounding the village, appealing to walkers and those exploring nearby natural areas like Carlton Bank and Swainby.
Horse grazing by Whorl Hill Farm
Path into Whorl Hill Wood
Whorlton Castle near Swainby. The castle has a long and storied history. Its origins trace back to the Norman period, initially belonging to Robert, Count of Mortain, a half-brother of William the Conqueror. The earliest structure on the site was likely an earth-and-timber motte-and-bailey fortification built to oversee strategic routes and lands in the Tees Valley.
By the 12th century, the castle had evolved, with later additions from the Darcy family in the 14th century. John Darcy, Lord Darcy of Knayth, rebuilt the structure after it had fallen into ruin, adding key elements like the fortified gatehouse, which still stands today. Over the centuries, Whorlton Castle passed through various noble families, including the Strangeways and the Stewarts, eventually becoming connected to Mary, Queen of Scots, through her marriage negotiations to Lord Darnley, although the final contract was not signed here.
Despite its strategic importance, Whorlton fell into disrepair in the 17th century, with portions dismantled for building materials. Today, only remnants remain, primarily the gatehouse and parts of the cellars. The gatehouse, protected as a Grade I listed building, offers a glimpse into medieval architecture despite being roofless and heavily weathered by time. The site is privately owned and remains part of a shooting estate, though visitors can still view its evocative ruins from the outside.