Walks: Great Broughton and the Wainstones

It is possible to start the walk from the village of Great Broughton but best to save the five miles of road walking and drive to the car park at Clay Bank on the B1257. From the car park cross the road, walk 100m uphill. At this point take to the signposted path climbing west through bracken and heather.

Map of Hasty Bank and the Wainstones (Image: Submitted)

It is nearly 500ft to the high point, marked by a small cairn at White Hill. Arriving on the crest of the ridge is an exhilarating experience. Although the industrial landscape of Teesside dominates the views to the north, look west towards the Dales and east towards the North Sea to gain a wonderful panorama.

The path at this stage is excellent. Many boots have trampled along the sandstone bedrock, almost creating a beach in places, as they look to complete one of the many Long Distance Trails which follow the route.

The Coast to Coast, Cleveland Way and one day (42 miles in one day!) Lyke Wake Walk all pass this way. They head east on all these walks for some reason maybe to avoid the prevailing wind.

Typical moorland walking (Image: Submitted)

From the cairn carry along the path for another 300 metres and look to your right for the rock formation known as the Wainstones. The Wainstones are a collection of rocks which have resisted all that the British weather has thrown at it and provide an excellent playground for young and old. The word ‘wain’ in Saxon can be interpreted as weeping or grieving but whether this is to do with some ancient graveyard is a matter of conjecture. Much of this area has ancient remains, mainly from the bronze age.

Having explored the Wainstones carry on east along the path which now starts to drop down 200 feet to a meeting of paths. Many will turn north in to the forest and follow a forest track back to the start but I prefer to turn left and almost double back on yourself by heading just south of west. This path is an absolute delight, clinging to the edge of Hasty Bank, with the Wainstones above, and stunning views to your right. The views south are of Bilsdale, the valley that divides the North York Moors in two.

The path drops gradually, leaving the access land via a stile and along a wall before arriving above the farm of Garfitts. From the farm the path contours around the head of Bilsdale (the stream below you) before arriving at Hasty Bank Farm. The farm is notable for a 19th century stone and pantile (a type of stone fired clay tile) barn, unusual today.

The path joins the farm track just beyond the farm and continues back to the road at the summit of Clay Bank. Turn left at the road and continue over the roads high point and back to the car park and your start point.

* Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly three miles

Height to Climb: 230m (750 feet)

Start: NZ 572036. A spacious car park run by the Forestry Commission.

Difficulty: Medium but easy away from the steep initial climb. The paths are good.

Refreshments: The Buck Inn at Chop Gate is 3 miles to the south, The Bay Horse in Great Broughton a similar distance to the north.

Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL26) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

* Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales.

He has published two books on walks in the Dales, ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’ and ‘The Dales 30’ mountains. Available direct from the Where2walk website.

Book a Navigation Training day in Long Preston, near Settle (Beginners or Intermediates). All dates and information on the website. Next available date October 15.

Jonathan’s popular website, Where2walk.co.uk also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.