Ellerburn Valley Circular Walk
Circular Walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Low Dalby via Ellerburn and Dalby Forest
Discover a scenic circular walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Low Dalby, passing through the peaceful village of Ellerburn and the stunning woodlands of Dalby Forest. Enjoy a mix of riverside paths, forest trails, and picturesque countryside on this rewarding North York Moors route, ideal for walkers of all levels.
Ellerburn Walking Trail
Circular Walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Low Dalby via Ellerburn and Dalby Forest
Enjoy a beautiful circular walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Low Dalby, taking in the charming hamlet of Ellerburn and the tranquil scenery of Dalby Forest. This picturesque route offers a perfect blend of woodland trails, wildlife, and open countryside, making it a must-do walk for nature lovers exploring the North York Moors.
About Ellerburn Valley
The circular walking trail from Thornton-le-Dale to Low Dalby via Ellerburn offers one of the most scenic routes in the North York Moors National Park. Starting in the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale, the path winds gently through peaceful countryside and alongside the bubbling Thornton Beck before reaching the charming hamlet of Ellerburn. With its historic church and quiet lanes, Ellerburn provides a tranquil spot to pause before continuing into the heart of Dalby Forest, a haven for walkers, cyclists, and wildlife enthusiasts.
As the trail enters Dalby Forest, walkers are greeted by towering pines, shaded woodland paths, and panoramic viewpoints across the valley. The route towards Low Dalby features well-marked forest tracks and opportunities to spot deer, birds, and seasonal wildflowers. After exploring the visitor centre and forest trails, the return journey to Thornton-le-Dale completes a rewarding circular walk that combines village charm, natural beauty, and a peaceful woodland atmosphere — a perfect day out for anyone exploring the North York Moors.
1. Start at Thornton Le Dale Car Park
From Thornton Le Dale Car Park, make your way towards the village square over the footbridge. Turn Right an follow the road to the main road (A170). Follow this road right until you come to the church. Carefully cross the road at All Saints Church.
2. Church Lane
At All Saints Church, find Church Lane on the left hand side of the church and follow this lane to the end meeting Outgang Lane. On Outgang Lane, turn left up the hill until you reach a Yorkshire Water Facility and a sharp bend to the right.
3. Ellerburn Valley
At the sharp bend at the top of the hill, turn off left on the public right of way downhill to Ellerburn Road. You will see High Paper Mill Farm in the distance.
4. Ellerburn Road
At the junction to Ellerburn Road you can either turn left back to Thornton Le Dale for a short walk, alternatively, extend your walk by turning right. This takes you alongside High Paper Mill Farm and a weir on your left hand side. We follow Eller Beck all the way to Low Dalby with it constantly on your left.
5. Dalby Forest
Keep following Ellerburn Road and eventually you will come to Dalby Forest. You will find that there are several tracks heading off to the right that have names such as Sand Dale for example. We should ignore these routes on our walk, and keep following Ellerburn Road with the beck always on your left hand side. Eller Beck also runs through Low Dalby, so allow this watercourse to guide you.
6. Low Dalby
Along this route, there are three opportunities that leave Ellerburn Road on the left hand side that crosses over to the other side of the stream. You can modify the length of your walk using these three routes. You can walk to the first one on your first hike, second one on your second hide and so on. At the opposite side of the beck, turn left back to Ellerburn and Thornton Le Dale. You don’t need to go into Low Dalby itself unless you desire to. There are two cafes here, toilets, a bike shop, Go Ape!, and Dalby Forest Visitor Centre here, and it’s just a stones throw from the last footbridge over Eller Beck.
7. Footbridge
To return back to Thornton Le Dale via Ellerburn, cross over one of the footbridges on Eller Beck as aforementioned, and turn left following a path through a very idyllic valley. Again, Eller Beck is always at the left of you although you might not be able to see it at times. Keep following this path until it merges with another track. At this junction, turn left and keep following this until you reach a woodland.
8. Woodland Trail
The track all of a sudden widens out and you will see the entry to the woodland path. Walk through the wood. In winter, please be careful as it can get muddy in this section. At the end of the wood, you will see a stile with a dog gate. Cross the grassy field until you reach a farmers gate to the trout farm, but use the public right of way to the right of it. At the end, go straight ahead following the beck on the left hand side of you.
9. Low Farm Stone Bridge
As you reach the hamlet of Ellerburn, you will see Gumboots and Wellingtons as well St Hilda’s Church on the right hand side of you. Just opposite the church, there is a bridge over the beck to Low Farm. Cross this bridge, and follow the trail markers down the side of a farm building with the stream flowing at the right hand side of you. Keep following this route back to Thornton Le Dale.
10. End at Thornton Le Dale
Following the stream back to Thornton Le Dale is extremely scenic, and you will hear the sounds of Burgess Weir that you will come to see on the right hand side of you. Follow the path until you come to Priestman’s Lane and turn left. Walking down the road with the beck on your right, you will see a footbridge over the beck. Take the footbridge and follow the path passing the thatched cottage until you reach the A170. At the main road, turn right into Thornton Le Dale village centre. This completes our walk today.
Useful Links
Visit Thornton-le-Dale – North York Moors National Park – Information about Thornton-le-Dale, local attractions, and walking routes in the area.
Dalby Forest – Forestry England – Official site for Dalby Forest with details on walking and cycling trails, parking, and visitor facilities.
Visit Ryedale – Local tourism guide featuring places to eat, stay, and explore around Thornton-le-Dale and Dalby.
North York Moors National Park Walks – Explore more walking routes in the North York Moors National Park.
Thornton-le-Dale Village Website – Community and visitor information about the village, local history, and upcoming events.
Low Dalby Visitor Centre – Forestry England – Plan your visit to Low Dalby, including café details, maps, and opening times.
Bus Times to Thornton-le-Dale – Check public transport options and bus routes connecting Thornton-le-Dale with Pickering and surrounding villages.
Discover Pickering – Nearby market town information, ideal for extending your North York Moors adventure.
