The Murk Esk in the North York Moors
A leisurely walk (countryside) in national park North York Moors in North Yorkshire, England, about 6.10km (3.79 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 2:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
107m (351ft)
Descent
74m (242ft)
Max. Elevation
130m (426ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
181m (593ft)
Start & End
Grosmont
Distance
6.10km
(3.79mi)
(3.79mi)
Duration
~2:00h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
The Esk Valley, in the North York Moors National Park, offers a host of car-free walking possibilities. There are good walks from all the stations on the line, and the park authority has a selection of short routes available on their website: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/content.php?nID=801
This walk is my pick of the bunch - highlights include the Whinstone Ridge and the world's first passenger railway tunnel!
Walk Functions
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Waypoints
OS Grid NZ827052
From the station, turn left and follow the road uphill. Opposite Park Villa, turn right and walk through the woods.
OS Grid NZ828047
After leaving the road, there is a short section through woods and across fields.
About 0.53 km (~0.33 miles) from 
OS Grid NZ825040
Between the two patches of woodland, look for a small hollow in the ground - the Whinstone Ridge. This was formed by lava being forced to the ground surface 58 million years ago, making it the oldest geological feature in the National Park!
About 0.77 km (~0.48 miles) from 
OS Grid NZ825034
Another short woodland section, before you reach the stone buildings of Green End farm. Carry on through Hollin Garth to Beck Hole village.
About 0.55 km (~0.34 miles) from 
OS Grid NZ820023
At the village, you cross the railway and join the Murk Esk for the remainder of the walk.
About 1.17 km (~0.73 miles) from 
OS Grid NZ818028
This is a tributary of the River Esk. The water is a deep brown colour - this comes from the peat moors for which the region is famous. It's also a great spot for birdwatching - dippers and kingfishers can be spotted here.
About 0.57 km (~0.35 miles) from 
OS Grid NZ819033
The path crosses the Murk Esk and continues on through a short wooded section to the buildings at Esk Valley.
About 0.40 km (~0.25 miles) from 
OS Grid NZ825050
Just before you cross the Murk back into Grosmont, look behind you for the old tunnel - believed to be the world's oldest passenger tunnel. The village that is now Grosmont was once a much smaller village called Tunnel, which grew up because of the railway industry.
About 1.80 km (~1.12 miles) from 
Back to GrosmontOS Grid NZ826050
Back to the village and the train home. A pint in the Station Tavern, by the station, is a good option if you have to wait.
About 0.10 km (~0.06 miles) from 
