Across the Moors to Whitby

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Today I'm writing about one of my favourite scenic drives across the North York Moors which takes you by car or motorcycle via a circular route from Rosedale Abbey to Whitby on the coast.

Whitby Regatta fireworks - Colin Carter

Whitby Regatta Fireworks are a Highlight for any Summer Holiday in North Yorkshire.

The route chosen takes in the Eastern portion of the North Yorkshire National Park and provides an itinerary for visits to the larger local towns of Whitby and Pickering; as well as passing through lots of quaint local villages. Click here for larger-format PDF of the route.

The route passes through much spendid scenary;  and there are plenty of watering-holes available to stop for morning or afternoon tea; or for a longer lunch.

Scenic Drive to Whitby 

The circular route provides an excellent day trip across the Yorkshire Moors.

Starting-out from the front door of Rosella Cottage in the beautiful hamlet of Rosedale Abbey, turn right and then immediately left and head up hill past the old Milburne Arms public house. 

The road heads up steeply out of the village and on to Rosedale Moor and then across Egton High Moor.  Just carry straight on for several miles across this lovely section of open moorland.

Eventually you'll begin to head downwards as the road becomes very steep with twisting hair-pin bends as you come into the valley of the Esk River.

You'll cross a small ford (which may have water crossing it after heavy rain) so make sure to check the depth gauge and only proceed if safe to do so.  Usually the ford is dry!

You'll come to a junction and you just need to head straight on.  This road now brings you out at Egton Bridge.

Cross the large stone bridge over the River Esk and pass-by the lovely church on your left.

Go under the railway bridge and you'll now start to climb the very steep hill ("Egton bank") which takes you from Egton Bridge to the village of Egton at the top of the hill.

Pass on straight through the village and you'll arrive at a t-junction with the A171 in front of you.  Turn right and continue on the A171 into Whitby.

Whitby can be a hard place to find a parking spot - especially in summer - so you just need to take pot luck on this!

Basically, head for the centre of town near the "old bridge" which crosses the Esk "down-town".

You'll probably want several hours to explore on foot all the uniqueness of Whitby.

After your visit to Whitby, retrace your steps back to the A171; and head off towards Guisborough which is clearly sign-posted as you leave the town.

On the edge of Whitby, pass straight through the first roundabout.

At the second larger roundabout, take the A169 (first left) towards Pickering and Sleights.

Stay on the A169 as it passes through Sleights and heads steeply uphill out of the Esk Valley.

The A169 crosses the Whinstone Ridge and the Saltersgate Moor before then passing very close to the Hole of Horcum (to the right-hand side of the road).  It is worth a short stop here to admire this natural wonder; and maybe see some hang-glider folk doing their thing!

Continue on the A169 which eventually brings you down off the high moorland and into the larger town of Pickering.

This is another town which is worth a stop and a good walk round.  The church with its medieval wall paintings is a unique survivor from before King Henry VIIIs times.  There is also an old castle which is worth a visit.

Leave Pickering via the A170 towards Helmsley (heading West).

Once through the village of Aislaby (still on the A170), you will see a right turn signposted to Rosedale Abbey, Cropton and Wrelton.

Take this right-hand turn. 

This road snakes though the villages so just keep on the road and don't turn off until you reach Rosedale Abbey.

I hope you enjoy this journey around the North Yorkshire Moors and your visit to Whitby and Pickering.

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Rosella Luxury Holiday Cottage

Rosella Cottage is a luxury holiday home in Rosedale Abbey - in the heart of the North York Moors.  Built in 1850 but now completely refurbished; we have a cosy lounge, kitchen, a king-size bed in a big bedroom with vaulted-ceiling and exposed beams, and a lovely en-suite.

We've got a village-centre location and we're easy walking distance to the village shop, cafes, and village pubs with great restaurants.  To view availability and for bookings, just click here.

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