For National Walking Month we’re highlighting 3 fantastic walks that you can do right from the door of Lock Cottage.
Lockton to Levisham
(1.2 miles/2km each way)
This one is a short, if steep, walk that ends at the Horseshoe Inn in Levisham.
Turn right out of the door of Lock Cottage and walk through the village, taking the footpath opposite the cemetery, which takes you down a hill and into Levisham Woods.
A peaceful stroll through the woods, across a stream and back up the opposite side brings you into Levisham village in about half an hour.
You can stop at the Horseshoe Inn for a drink, then turn around and come back to Lockton, or continue onto the Hole of Horcum.
Levisham and Hole of Horcum
(from Lockton 13.75km/8.25 mile loop)
Carrying on past the Horseshoe Inn, a fairly unexciting road (albeit with good views of the Moors) brings you to the edge of the Hole Of Horcum. The Hole of Horcum, or 'Devils' Punchbowl' is a spectacular hollowed-out valley, more than half a mile across. In clear weather you get amazing views.
You can walk the circuit clockwise via Saltergate or anti-clockwise, heading to the right down into Dundale Griff before taking on the climb up to the top of the Hole. As it's a circular loop it doesn't matter which way you go. Providing the weather is good you're guaranteed gorgeous views and a really good walk in either direction.
Once you've completed the 5-mile circuit head back into Levisham and then on to Lockton.
Walk Lockton to Bridestones
(9km/5.5 miles)
The Bridestones is an area with oddly-shaped rocks, created by the movement of glaciers during the last Ice Age. Maintained by the National Trust, it is free to visit for all.
The walk to the Bridestones starts at the A169 - cross the main road and follow the footpath down the left-hand side of the field into the woodland.
From there it's a fairly straightforward walk, following the footpath including a paved section to a farmyard, from where the Bridestones are signposted.
The signs disappear for a short while by a cottage - walk round the cottage to the left and continue up very small incline and along the base of a small hill.
The footpath continues across a stream and through a pretty vale before you undertake the usual steep climb to the stones themselves.
You can then follow the trails through the Bridestones, and just into Dalby Forest before following the path along the edge of the woodland and returning to Lockton the way you came.
Lock Cottage is a self-catering holiday home sleeping 6, situated in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Check availability, find out more about the cottage and book your stay here.
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