Route Ref:  NYM18

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This route is easy peasy and probably suitable for a reasonably fit, family outing on a sunny summers day and also for those of us who have a dodgy knee. Following the route of the old iron works railway. There is a little bit of climb out of Rosedale Abbey, but nothing that should give anyone a heart attack. There are stretches of single track crossing narrow embankments and weaving around the boggy bits. These boggy patches, which do not dry up during periods of dry weather are on the north eastern part of the valley. Be warned. Some of the puddles are axle deep!

It is hard to believe that the old route route of the railway is not a public right of way and therefore illegal for both walkers and riders. I understand that the National Parks arre trying to negotiate something with the land owners. It has been walked and ridden for numerous years without any problems so presumably the land owners don't mind.

There are three points you could start this route from. Down in Rosedale Abbey, top of chimney bank or the car park a few hundred yards south of the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge as we did. If your planning on using their facilities you can use the Inn's car park.

The route of the railway lies just to the back of the car park linked by a short path. Turn right and follow all the way to chimney bank. This is easy and fast cycling with views across the valley. At the road turn left and bomb down the, ignoring the 'cyclist dismount ' sign. This is a steep bank with sharp bends, but so long as you don't let your wheels take control, I don't see what the problem is. (You could extend this route by continuing over the road to Ana Cross and Lastingham, returning up Rosedale via the first section of route 12. Another possible extension I thought would be taking the bridleway past Anna cross, turning left at Redman Plain to Hollins Farm. Unfortunately this latter bit is not ridable). You might like to visit Abbey Tea Rooms in the village.

Leave the village on the road signposted for Castleton, your first bit of climb, taking the left fork at Bell End. Go as far as Hill Cottages, a row on both sides of the road. At the far end of the cottages a bridleway turns off to the right and up the hill, passing an untidy property, home to about 95 million hens. Follow around the side of the property, sharp around the fence to join the eastern branch of the railway. This route on this side of the valley is much more interesting as the old railway winds in and out of the hillside spurs. Shortly after Nab Scar the single track starts leading in and around the boggy bits and around the head of the valley. Double track returns on the western side for the short stretch back to the car park.

Start Car Park at GR 683989 - Chimney Bank 721948 - Rosedale Abbey 724958 - Road Jnc 717970 -
Hill Cottages 708976 - Track Jnc 707978 - Nab Scar 694998 - Valley Head Embankment 681011 - Car Park

11.4 Miles, 18.35 Kms, 1604 Feet, 526 Metres, 1 Gates, 77% Off Road