We remember the first time friends came to stay after we’d moved to Town End Farm.
We headed out for a walk from the village, enjoyed a pub lunch and, as the sun began to set, waved them off home to the city. Then we looked at each other and said, “We live here. How lucky are we?”
That feeling is something we hope our guests experience during their stay.
Being able to leave the car behind and explore straight from the front door is a big part of what makes Appleton le Moors such a wonderful place to stay. In fact, many guests arrive with plans for days out across Yorkshire, only to discover that some of their favourite moments happen much closer to home.
We keep maps, guidebooks and walking routes in the Long Barn, but we also share our own favourite circular walks from the door. They range from short evening strolls to longer walks with a pub lunch along the way, making them suitable for a variety of ages, abilities and energy levels.
1. The Short One
At around two miles, this is the perfect walk when you want some fresh air without committing to a longer route. Most people complete it in under an hour.
The route takes in the village common, open countryside and the quieter lanes around Appleton. If you enjoy gardens, take the back lane through the village where you’ll pass some traditional cottage gardens or garths are they are called here.
Keep an eye out for roe deer and hares, particularly from autumn through to early spring when the fields are less densely planted. In autumn you’ll often find sloes and crab apples growing in the hedgerows.
It’s one of our favourite evening walks when the sun begins to drop towards Sutton Bank.
Dog friendly, although dogs should remain on leads because of the sheep around the village.
2. The Woodland Nature Walk
This is Jackie’s favourite walk and one she does regularly.
The route is around 2.5 miles and usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour. There are a couple of steeper sections as you enter and leave the woodland, but the views make the effort worthwhile.
In spring, the woodland floor is covered with wild daffodils. Locals often argue that they rival, and sometimes surpass, the famous displays at Farndale.
Wildlife is abundant here. We’ve seen deer, hares, rabbits, squirrels, stoats and weasels. Buzzards nest nearby and the woods are full of birdsong. If you’re out early enough, you may also hear tawny owls returning to roost.
There are a few stiles, although most now have dog gates.
The field halfway round is occasionally grazed by cattle, although more recently sheep have been the regular residents. If you’re concerned about livestock, just ask us before setting off and we’ll let you know the latest situation.
3. Ruby the Labrador’s Favourite Walk
Helping to walk our neighbour’s Labrador, Ruby, has given us a new appreciation for the importance of good dog walks.
This three-mile circular route includes several fields where dogs can safely enjoy some off-lead time.
Once you’ve crossed the common and headed down the bridleway, Ruby knows exactly where she’s going. After a quick check for sheep, she’s off exploring every scent and corner she can find.
Her favourite section comes towards the end of the walk. The old blackthorn hedge near the final kissing gate always seems to produce the perfect stick. Once she finds one she particularly likes, no amount of persuasion, or even dog treats, will convince her to part with it. Instead, she proudly carries it all the way back to the village.
As you return through Appleton, you can either head back to the Long Barn or call in at the Moors Inn. Local dogs know there are treats behind the bar and have perfected the art of hopeful looking. Amd then it’s back to the dog friendly Long Barn.
4. Big Skies, Ancient Woodland and a Sinnington Pub Lunch
If you’re looking for a longer walk, this five-mile circular route is hard to beat.
The walk combines ancient woodland, open countryside and views across the Vale of Pickering and the North York Moors.
We usually walk it clockwise via the woods near Appleton Mill before returning through Bishop Hagg Wood, although it works equally well in either direction.
The route passes alongside the River Seven where you may spot ducks, herons and, if you’re particularly lucky, a kingfisher.
The halfway reward is Sinnington and the Fox and Hounds, a traditional village pub that’s ideal for lunch or a pint before heading back.
Dogs are welcome in both the bar and garden. There are also several places along the river where dogs can cool off with a paddle.
Allow around two hours for the walk itself, longer if you stop for lunch.
5. Two Villages, a Historic Church and a Traditional Pub
This six-mile walk links Appleton le Moors with neighbouring Lastingham.
The route offers wide views towards the moors and passes through rolling countryside rich in wildlife. Depending on the season, you may spot roe deer, hares, pheasants and partridges along the way.
The Blacksmiths Arms in Lastingham is an excellent halfway stop, serving good food, local ales and welcoming dogs.
Lastingham’s greatest surprise is St Mary’s Church. The church dates back many centuries and contains one of England’s most remarkable Norman crypts.
Whilst an earlier stone church stood here in the eighth century, the oldest surviving parts of the current building date from 1078. The crypt is unique in England, featuring a nave, apse and side aisles, all built with walls almost three feet thick.
It’s well worth a visit if the church is open.
For a shorter option, you can return to Appleton via the quiet country lane rather than completing the full circular route.
Walking Friendly in the North York Moors
These five walks are only a small sample of what’s available from the village. Many can be shortened or adapted depending on the weather, available time or how energetic you’re feeling.
We’re proud to be accredited as Walking Friendly by the North York Moors National Park.
To help guests make the most of their stay, we provide:
• Recommended walks from the door and further afield.
• Suggestions for walking-friendly pubs, cafés and tea rooms.
• Maps, guidebooks and local information.
• A warm boot room with drying space and boot cleaning equipment.
• An outdoor first aid kit.
For many guests, some of the best days are the simplest ones. Pull on your walking boots, step out of the front door and see where the footpaths take you.
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