Lastingham circular walk

Lockdown has made us appreciate even more the walks that are on our doorstep.

This week, whilst the USA was in turmoil, and our next 4 weeks of lockdown were imminent, we escaped to another great walk we’ve recently reacquainted ourselves with.

It starts from Lastingham, so you can either walk there from Appleton, or drive to Lastingham and park in the village. If you drive, our tip is to follow signs for the Lastingham Grange Hotel, and park on the road leading up to the moors.

The walk is another circular one and takes in some gorgeous “big sky” North York Moors views. It’s about 5 miles (add in another 4 miles if you walk there and back from Appleton)

It’s a good walk to do after it’s been wet, as apart from a couple of places, the tracks and path stay pretty dry. There is a gradual climb up to Ana Cross, which marks a medieval route way across the moor between Lastingham and the site of Rosedale Priory. The current cross dates to 1949 when the original medieval cross was removed to the crypt of Lastingham Church.

We love this walk. When the weather is clear, the views are wonderful, especially looking west from Ana Cross towards Sutton Bank.

Listen out for red grouse, as you’ll hear them before you see them. Their call sounds like “go-back, back, back” and then you’ll probably see their whirring wings as they then glide to cover in the heather.

We timed this walk last week so that the sun was setting as we headed back down to Lastingham; the colours were just gorgeous. In more normal times, we recommend a beer at the Blacksmiths Arms in front of the fire, before heading back to Appleton.