Osmotherley Walks
The North Yorkshire village of Osmotherley is situated on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park in the Hambleton Hills. It's a lovely area for walking with trails through the nearby woodland and around the nearby Cod Beck Reservoir.
This circular walk around Osmotherley visits the medieval Mount Grace Priory and Cod Beck Reservoir.
It's a lovely area with waymarked paths, woodland trails, hill climbs and waterside paths to enjoy.
The walk starts in Osmotherley village and picks up the Cleveland Way long distance trail to take you north west to Mount Grace Wood and the priory. The fascinating Carthusian house dates from the 14th century when it was founded by Thomas Holland, 1st Duke of Surrey the son of King Richard II's half-brother Thomas, Earl of Kent. The site is now run by the English Heritage and the National Trust so visitors today can explore the ruins of the whole monastery,
together with the typically small Carthusian chapel and the later house. It also includes a museum and pretty gardens where there are a variety of beautiful plants including snowdrops in the winter.
After exploring the priory the route then returns to the Cleveland Way to take you through Arncliffe Wood where you can see lots of pretty bluebells in the spring. The trail bends round to Scarth Wood Moor where you turn south along a country lane to take you to Cod Beck Reservoir, passing the popular tourist spot of Sheepwash and the Cod Beck.
You can follow nice footpaths along the reservoir which is surrounded by attractive woodland and moorland scenery.
From the reservoir it's a short stroll back to the village centre where the route finishes.
To continue your walking in the area you could continue along the Cleveland Way and visit the fascinating ancient sites at the Lord Stones and the Wainstones. The climb to Carlton Bank near Carlton in Cleveland is also located in this area.
The Lyke Wake Walk also passes through the village. The route is a complete crossing of the North Yorkshire Moors from west to east and a great way to explore the area.
Osmotherley Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Osmotherley Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Osmotherley OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Osmotherley Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Osmotherley
- Cod Beck Reservoir - Enjoy a short walk around this pretty reservoir on the western edge of the North York Moors
- Cleveland Way - This wonderful trail runs from Helmsley to Filey, taking you through the beautiful North York Moors national park, atop the Hambleton Hills ridge and along the stunning North Yorkshire coastline.
The trail begins in Helmsley, with the first section taking you through the heather moorland of the North York Moors, passing the village of Osmotherley, the pretty Cod Beck Reservoir and the ancient stones at Lord Stones Country Park and the Wainstones.
After enjoying the fabulous views on the elevated moors you arrive at Saltburn to begin the coastal stretch - 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
- Hambleton Hills - This walk explores the Hambleton Hills range on the western edge of the North York Moors
- Silton Forest - Enjoy miles of mountain bike trails and footpaths in this large coniferous forest on the North York Moors
- Swainby - This little village is located in a nice position at the north-western corner of the North York Moors National Park
- Carlton Bank - This walk climbs to Carlton Bank on Carlton Moor in the North York Moors National Park.
- Carlton in Cleveland - This village in North Yorkshire sits in a fine spot on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
Pubs/Cafes
The Orchard Cafe at nearby Mount Grace Priory is a nice place to stop at for some refreshments. They've got covered seating and a picnic area when you can relax outside and enjoy fine views when the weather is good.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Swainby Walk starts from the neighbouring village and provides an alternate circular walk in the area. The pretty Scugdale Beck meanders through the little village which also includes the ruins of a 12th century medieval castle.
For more walking ideas in the area see the North York Moors Walks page.