1. Optional NYMR Journey

This is not compulsory, but to add interest to your walk you can board a heritage train from Pickering to Grosmont (or Goathland if you plan to walk the opposite direction).

There is suitable parking at both Grosmont and Goathland if you plan to take your car. The 840 bus calls at Goathland only.

2. Boarding the Train

If you plan to use the NYMR, we strongly recommend checking the timetables particularly in winter. The duration of the journey can be lengthy.

As a tip, sit on one side on your outward journey and the opposite side on the return journey. This ensures you take in all the scenery available.

3. Alight at Grosmont

You can alight at Goathland and perform this walk in reverse if you prefer. On this occasion, we are alighting at Grosmont. This is a station that is intentionally set in the 1950’s.

4. Locate the Rail Trail

Over the level crossing you will find a path on your right hand side that follows the railway back to Goathland.

We are not at line side all the time on this walk as we follow the original George Stephenson’s route forming the trail.

5. Picnic Area

Between you and the railway you will discover a picnic area. If you want to fortify yourself before you engage in this walk, this would be a good opportunity!

6. Optional Visit

Heading through the pedestrian tunnel, you can find the workshops and a gift shop for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

7. Follow Rail Trail Sign

In any case, look for the Goathland Rail Trail sign and follow the path.

8. St Matthew’s Church

You wil cross over the Murk Esk and on your left you will discover St Matthew’s Church.

From this point forward, it is a short climb to the summit above the tunnel. Out of interest, Grosmont was originally called ‘Tunnel’ and was built owing to the iron ore mining in the area.

9. Grosmont Station Views

From the summit of the hill you can receive an aerial view over Grosmont Station. It is here were the conventional railway from Middlesborough to Whitby merges with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

10. Follow the Trail

Departing Grosmont, follow the trail across the lush North York Moors countryside renown for its heather and grazing sheep.

11. Workshop Views

The trail towers above the workshop and yard beneath and you can often see your steam locomotive refuelling with coal and water here. You will also see some heritage rolling stock also.

12. Keep to Path

After these views, you follow the trail further and the path bends off to the left and it takes you line side.

13. Up Close

If you are in the right place at the right time, you might get up close and personal with some of the rolling stock. On my last visit I was able to see some heritage DMU’s of which one is affectionately known as ‘Daisy’ from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends!

14. Head to Esk Valley

This trail is extremely easy to follow but it is important to keep on the rail trail and not follow any of the merging routes, not unless you know where you are going.

15. Esk Valley

You will see a line of terraced houses that are decorated in pastel colours. This is the small village of Esk Valley. You will pass these on your left.

16. Follow the Original Route

The former railway route takes you through some varied terrain across the moors. This route is perfect in the spring and summer, and it is also achievable in winter with care.

17. Dogs on Leads

Owing to grazing sheep, if you take your dog with you it works best to keep him or her on a lead. Even if your dog is not aggressive towards them, sheep can still get worried and anxious with approaching dogs.

18. Junctions

For the rail trail, keep heading straight along for Goathland. You will notice sign posts heading elsewhere but in the interests of not getting lost, stick to our route today.

19. Go Through the Gate

You will come to a farmers gate with a pedestrian access. Do not forget to close the gates behind you.

20. Over the Bridge

You will also come to a wooden bridge to cross with some fantastic views over the moors ahead.

21. Woodland Walk

You will eventually arrive at a boarded walkway through some woodland. You will also see a stream at the side of you. Walks around Goathland often have a variety of terrains from lush heath, woodland to heather laced moorland. This change of terrain often makes the route more engaging.

22. Beck Hole

On the left you will find a turn off for Beck Hole. There is a small pub here as well as a stone bridge. You can add a visit to the Thomason Foss Waterfall here if you want to. Just cross the stone bridge and follow the path on the right hand side.

23. Goathland Split

You wil eventually arrive at a former railwayman’s cottage on your left and a path to Mallyan Spout waterfall on your right. Both paths take you back to Goathland. Head straight up the hill for the direct route or right for the chance to see a 60ft waterfall. Beware, you have to navigate some rocks to get to it!

24. Goathland Station

You can end this walk at Goathland Railway Station to head back to Pickering. Alternatively, you can about turn and head back to your car at Grosmont. This will make your total milage of 6 miles altogether.