Walking from Danby to Commondale

The walk I'll describe below can be done in either direction from Danby to Commondale or vice-versa.  It's about 11 miles in length and you should use the OS Explorer Map OL26 (North York Moors) for additional guidance.

One of the benefits of this walk is that you can park your car at either end, complete half of the walk, and then catch the train back to your respective starting point for the trip back to Rosella Cottage in Rosedale (if you get tired).

Whichever way you decide to walk, it is a very enjoyable walk that takes in the high moorland villages of Danby, Castleton and Commondale.

And there is plenty of varied scenery making it a very rewarding hike in any season.

The route I've picked also passes three of our famous moorland crosses, - Siss Cross, Job Cross, and White Cross.

Most of the route is on clearly defined footpaths and tracks, with a little bit of road walking thrown in for good measure.

Start from the car park at the railway station in Danby (NZ707 084).

Walk towards the Methodist Chapel in the village and take the sign posted footpath to Castleton (heading West).

This path soon joins the road to Castleton.

Follow the road until the footpath is once again sign-posted at NZ701 084.

Continue along this path for a short distance, until you come to the way-marked junction at NZ696 085.

Now take the broad grassy track heading off towards the North-east.

Just before a small patch of woodland, the path heads East through a small gate.

The footpath crosses the Ewe Crag Beck before passing to the left of a cottage.

Continue along the path until you come to a short section of the paved trod.

At the end of the trod, there is a junction of paths so make sure that you follow the Northerly path.

You now cross Danby Low Moor.

You'll soon walk past Siss Cross and pathway becomes ill-defined.  So ensure that you are walking Northwards.

The Siss Cross path meets a broad shooter's track at NZ703 113.

Follow this track Westwards for the next 2 kilometres or so.

Parts of the track have been made heavy going by 4x4 drivers.

You'll now see the Job Cross and it can be visited by a short detour.

When the track meets the road on Three Howes Rigg, turn right.

The White Cross is at this junction.

Follow the road North Westwards for a short distance until you come to the footpath marker at NZ670 116.  Take care and look out for cars travelling on this moor road.

Turn onto the footpath South and head towards Commondale, entering Commondale by the road.

In Commondale, take the minor road towards the railway station.

At Foul Green, take the signposted footpath East to Castleton and Danby.
Here you have an option of either continuing along the broad track to Castleton, or taking the footpath beside the railway line.

The footpath meets up up again with the broad track a little further on.

The broad track then meets up with the road from Three Howes Rigg into Castleton.

Follow the road downhill for a short distance, until you see the footpath that is signposted to Danby.

Follow this footpath East, through the woodland in Danby Park, until you meet up with the path you started out on in Danby.

Retrace your steps back to Danby railway station.

Rosella Luxury Holiday Cottage

Rosella Cottage is a luxurious self-catering, get-away-from-it-all holiday home in Rosedale Abbey; focussed on the holiday needs of active couples wanting a break from routine.  We have a cosy lounge, small kitchen, a king-size bed in a large bedroom with vaulted-ceiling, and a lovely en-suite. 

We've got a village-centre location and it's easy walking to the local shop, cafes, gallery & village pubs with great restaurants.  Built in 1850 but now completely refurbished, Rosella offers a luxury bolt-hole in the heart of the North York Moors.  To view availability and for bookings, just click here.