6 Rosedale Abbey
Pickering, Y018 8RA
North Yorkshire, UK
Heather moorland is an ecological rarity.
There is certainly less heather moorland than tropical rainforest in the world.
And over 70 per cent of the World's heather moorland eco-system is to be found in Britain.
Are you amazed by that fact?
Purple Heather on the Moors Above Rosedale Abbey.
Even more wonderous, the heather moorland that makes up about a third of the North York Moors National Park is the largest expanse of heather moorland in England.
Nowhere else on Planet Earth can you visit such an extensive and rare heather moorland eco-system as that surrounding Rosedale Abbey in the heart of the North York Moors.
It's truly amazing that this wonderful and unique landscape is just two hours drive from Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle; and just an hour away for the people of Leeds, Middlesbrough, York and Hull.
Who knew?
So the 10-mile moorland walk on the abandoned cinder-track railway that runs around the whole of upper Rosedale is a walk that any person fascinated by moorland nature, heritage and wildlife will simply love.
Aine Howe Cross on Spaunton Moor Above Rosedale Abbey.
You’ll pass Bronze Age remains and ancient stone crosses and boundary markers.
You'll hear the call of rare moorland birds such as the curlew and lapwing.
You can ponder the geological richness of the iron-ore that brought over 5,000 people to work in the Dale from the 1860s to 1926.
You can marvel at the ingenuity of the Victorian-era engineers who constructed the massive mines, calcinating kilns, railway workings, and accommodation alongside the walk.
Sheep and Heather are Key Parts of the North York Moors Eco-system.
And if you come to Rosedale Abbey in August or September, you’ll soon understand why the iconic heather is so special to Yorkshire folk; as it turns the dun-brown moors into a sea of purple as far as the eye can see.
East Mines Calcination Works Alongside the Rosedale Cinder Track Walk.
10 Rose & Crown Yard
Off Flower Gate, Whitby
North Yorkshire, Y021 3BE