Grosmont, Mallyan Spout, and Thomason Foss Circular Walk

While there are beautifully scenic views and fascinating highlights to be found throughout the Grosmont, Mallyan Spout, and Thomason Foss Circular Walk, there are several things to consider before setting out on your adventure. Terrain in the area is often very wet and boggy, so make sure to wear sturdy, water-resistant footwear and try to plan your walk during a period of dry weather. Additionally, you will want to arrive early, as this is a popular route and parking at the trailhead can be limited.

Overall, this is a fantastic walking route that will expose you to just a fraction of the beautiful sights that can be found within the amazing North York Moors. Relatively easy to navigate and traverse trails make this an accessible walk for outdoor enthusiasts of most skill levels, and the lack of steep climbs allows you to quickly work through the trail. Picturesque views of the open countryside, peaceful forests, winding waterways, and gushing waterfalls all await on this scenic adventure, so lace up your boots and get ready to hit the trails!

Setting out from the car park, head east along the footpath and turn south once you meet up with the railway station in order to reach the road. Turn left here and follow the road east through Grosmont for 0.1mi to pick up a footpath on the right. Follow it into the tree cover of Smithy Holme Wood and head to the southwest to meet up with a lane, following it south for 0.1mi to pick up the path on the right.

Keep straight along the path for 1.3mi to traverse the peaceful woodlands and open fields of the picturesque Esk Valley, before arriving at the edge of Beck Hole Road. Turn right and follow the road for 350ft, picking up the second path on the left. Here, you will slightly descend the hillside towards the railway tracks, crossing over them and Eller Beck to reach Thnomason Foss. Take some time to appreciate the stunning falls or even take a quick dip in the refreshing pool below before continuing along the trail.

Heading to the southeast, you will climb uphill for the next 0.6mi, utilizing footpaths and roadways on the way into the village of Goathland. There is a great tea room here where you can grab some mid-walk refreshments if you are so inclined. From here, you will follow the road to the southwest for 0.4mi, where you will find a footpath branching off to the right. Take this and descend the hillside into the cover of the forest, where you will reach a trailhead. Turning left to head west for a short distance, you will quickly arrive at the second waterfall of the day: Mallyan Spout.

After taking in the views of this 70ft tall vertical waterfall, head to the northeast along Wheeldale Beck, following the trail for 0.7mi to reach a junction near several cottages. Head left here and continue following along the water’s edge for 0.6mi, where you will cross over Murk Esk . Head to the left and continue straight for the next 1.5mi to make your way back through the Esk Valley. After passing by the Grosmont Engine Shed for the North York Moors Railway, you will continue to the north along the route in order to make your way back into Grosmont, having completed the Grosmont, Mallyan Spout, and Thomason Foss Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Mallyan Spout

Located near the village of Goathland in the North York Moors, Mallyan Spout is a scenic waterfall that is set within a ravine. Featuring a nearly vertical 70ft drop, the falls are fed from the water that flows along the moor above.

Thomason Foss

Thomason Foss is a beautifully scenic waterfall that features cascading falls that drop into a pool below. The peaceful setting and relatively large body of water below the falls makes it a popular spot for wild swimmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Mallyan Spout waterfall?

The sides of the ravine at Mallyan Spout are roughly 70ft high, causing the water from the moor above to pour over the rock.

Can you swim at Thomason Foss?

Yes! The pool below Thomason Foss is a popular place for wild swimmers, just make sure to treat the area with respect and pack out anything that you bring in.