Walk Round Rosedale Head

The walk from Rosedale Abbey around the dismantled cinder-track railway that skirts upper Rosedale starts off from the back door of Rosella Cottage in the village.

The walk takes you past a rich history of Victorian-era industrial archaeology; and it is ideal in all seasons because the cinder-track railway is always firm under foot.

The walk is around 18 kilometers and is fairly gentle with a total climb of only 650 feet.

In summer, you can take the path through the fields following the River Seven down in the valley.

This route goes through the Church, across the lane and through the kissing gate into the camping site.

Follow the footpath signs to the end of the campsite; then follow the clear path over two stiles and into the woods.

Keep left at the wooden board path across the boggy ground and then cross the two fields (sometimes with cows).

Climb over the next stile and keep right across the little bridge and through two more fields.

Keep left and follow the obvious path uphill to the tarmac road at Hill Cottages.

In winter, you can walk along the New Road out of the village for about a mile.

The Rosedale Head Walks Has Great Views in All Directions.

At the crossroads, take the left turn onto Daleside Road.

After a short walk, you'll arrive at Hill Cottages.

In either case, take the stony path on the right just past the last of the row of cottages.

After a couple of hundred yards you'll pass through a farm yard with lots of ducks and chickens.

Continue up the hill and start to bear round behind the farm as you get onto the flat above.

You're now on the old cinderbed railway.

You'll pass the remains of the gigantic calcinatic kilns; which are mightily impressive close-up!

Continue on the clear track formed by the bed of the old railway; and enjoy the constantly changing view as you walk towards Rosedale Head.

Before reaching the head of the Dale, you can walk down into the valley to Dale Head Farm for some lovely country refreshments (highly recommended).

Dalehead Farm Serves Lovely Refreshments and Has a Great View!

Continue around the Dale on the old railway; you'll pass Reeking Gill which is an impressive embankment structure built by the Victorian Engineers.

As you change course and begin to head back down the valley on the opposite side, you'll soon come to a sign-post pointing to the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge.

The short detour up-hill to this ancient Inn is well worth the effort if you're in need of a pint or some lunch.

Keep an Eye Open for the Lion Inn, Yorkshire's Most Remote Inn.

After the pub; continue along the cinder track which will eventually bring you back to above Rosedale Abbey at Chimney Bank.

On the way, you'll pass Sheriff's Pit; a huge hole in the ground which is moe than 200 feet deep; you can listen to the water flowing through the long-abandoned mine workings below.

The View Down Rosedale From the Calcinating Kilns.

You'll also pass more huge calcinating kilns near Bank Top.

When you reach the road at Chimney Bank, simply turn left and walk down the very steep bank to arrive back at Rosella Cottage in the village.

It should have been a lovely walk with great views!