Hole of Horcum Walk

We’ve always heard good things about this walk, but it was even more spectacular than imagined. The Hole of Horcum is of course impressive in its own right, but up on the open moorland, there are stunning views in all directions and the route back from Levisham is excellent. Definitely go further than the viewpoint that most people seem to get stuck at!

From the car park, carefully cross the main road and turn right onto a footpath that follows the rim of the Hole of Horcum. Views from here across the Hole of Horcum are spectacular! Some local folk stories claim a giant scooped away the land to make his home. In fact, the dip is a result of melt water eroding the land towards the end of the Ice Age.

Skirt along the ridge, climbing the stile that takes you on to the track to keep you high above the hole. Continue along this broad track across Levisham Moor, as it gradually pulls away from the edge. After 1.9mi and having passed two small ponds, you’ll arrive at a junction of five paths. Take the second left path, signposted towards Levisham. The grassy track climbs gently up to a gate, exits the moorland and continues onto a Land Rover track signposted towards Newton-Upon-Rawcliffe.

Continue along this track as it turns into a tarmacked road and brings you down into the village of Levisham, just over a 0.6mi from the gate. Pass the Horseshoe Inn – an excellent spot for a refuel if required! Continue down the main road through the village between grassy verges and the idyllic Yorkshire cottages.

Just 66ft past the sign warning of the steep descent of the road, there is a public footpath that turns sharply left off the road. Pass the bench following the footpath around to the left. Continue along the footpath as it winds, dips and climbs through a pretty woodland high on the banks above the valley. After climbing some steps, you soon come to a fork, veer left following signs to Horcum. Continue along this path for roughly 0.6mi until it drops down, out of the woodland, through a gate and to a junction.

Follow the sign towards to Hole of Horcum, stepping over a small Beck, and then a second via a small footbridge. Turn immediately left to follow Levisham Beck upstream, the path will gradually veer away and gain height on the stream. Keep ahead on the obvious footpath passing through several gates until finally emerging onto open farmland. Follow the track across the sloping farmland to bring you in the Hole of Horcum itself, enjoying the unique views in all directions.

Soon the path heads towards an abandoned farmhouse. Pass to the left and continue towards the fence line ahead. Turn left just before the fence, ignoring the broken stile and follow the arrow directing you down a further 328ft to another stile. Cross this onto a gravel track.

Follow this track as it takes you back up to the top, turn right to rejoin the footpath you started on. Continue along and return to the car park just ahead.

Walking route highlights

Hole of Horcum

In the Tabular Hills of the North York Moors National Park in northern England, you’ll find the spectacular Hole of Horcum. Kick off the walk by taking in the dramatic panorama from Saltergate over the Hole of Horcum, which is home to ancient archaeological remains.

Legend has that the hole was formed by the giant, Wade, who was a Saxon chief who grabbed a handful of earth to throw at his wife. In reality, the scallop-shaped valley was created by a line of springs formed between two rock layers.

Interestingly, the ridge marks the boundary between Middle and Upper Jurassic, which allows for incredible views over Saltergate and the surrounding moorland. The formation is unique in that the underlying limestone were formed by glacial run-off, so it is a mystery as to what the hole will look like in a few years as the earth continues to warm.

Find more amazing walks in North York Moors National Park:

• Kilburn White Horse and Gormire Lake Walk
• Roseberry Topping Walk
• Hayburn Wyke Walk