When you hit the road, turn right for another short steep climb as far as the bend and then take the bridleway on the left following the wall. Note the sign also allows wheelchairs along this bridleway. It has given me a idea for an new website, especially if I don't get my new knee joint replacement. With views west along the Esk valley this track is fairly solid and provides a fast route to Commondale with just one short climb.

For those who like a short stop, there is a new tea room in Commondale. Not that you've earned it after only five miles. The Old Post Office Tea Shop & B&B. You can't miss it. In fact if you blink you will probably miss Commondale. Beware of the small 'chatterbox', he won't let you go!

After contemplating the next climb which you notice before you slunk into the tea shop, you now have to do it. Leave the tea room, turn right and up! The road climbs horribly out of Commondale, loosening those knees which have just stiffened up. It is actually easier than it looks and once past the second bend the worst is over. Take time to look back at the view over Commondale at the bend. Use it as an excuse for a rest. At the T Junction go straight across joining the bridleway which links the Castleton and Danby roads. I had never been along this bridleway before, even as a walker and was expecting it to be fairly boring. However, it turned out better with a couple of muddy 'dips' gouged out by four wheel drive vehicles and then a number of large puddles, along the length of the bridleway, which you could not tell the depth of. I gave up risking the puddles after going past my axles! There are also good views towards Skinningrove and the north sea for much of the length of this bridleway.

When you reach the road turn right and then left after approx. half a mile. Almost another half mile brings you to a point where "Pannierman's Causeway" crosses the road. Turn right here. It is sign posted as a bridleway but can be a little difficult to pick up. It becomes more distinct further along and the last few hundred yards are paved. Turn left when you reach the track which bypasses Clither Beck Farm. At the right hand corner the bridleway goes off straight ahead. Single track and a bit soft but ridable. This bridleway re joins the wider track after a couple of hundred yards. (Staying with the main track around the bends is not strictly legal as this section is not a public right of way). The track then climbs gently around the top of "Castleton Pits" and joins the Danby Beacon road. There are superb views into the Fryup Dales along this track. The track is firm with a water splashes. Turn right onto the road which drops steeply and then right again to speed back down to Danby Lodge. I hit 58KPH before braking which was fast enough for me.

Start Danby Lodge Car Park 716083 - Danby Crossroads 707086 - Road/Track 701084 - Gate Danby Park - 694086 - Castleton Road 682056 - Road/Track 681087 - Boxhall 676091 - Foul Green 664101 - Commondale 662104 - 'T Junction' 679107 - Track/Road 712115 - Road Junction 712108 - Road/Bridleway Pannierman's Causeway 718107 - Track Jnc 713102 - Track/Road 726087 - Danby Lodge Car park 716083

10.5 Miles, 16.90 Kms, 1115 Feet, 366 Metres, 5 Gates, 58% Off Road