Egton Bridge & Glaisdale, North Yorks UK

• 4-star hike
• 5 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 260m (840ft)
• Glaisdale, UK | North Yorkshire
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The image depicts an old stone arch bridge constructed from large, weathered stones. The bridge spans a narrow river or stream, which reflects some light. Surrounding the bridge, there is dense greenery, including trees, bushes, and tall grass, creating a natural setting. The sky above is partially cloudy with scattered clouds and areas of visible blue.
A single individual stands on the bridge. The person is dressed in a blue shirt, shorts, and a backpack, and appears to be observing the surrounding landscape. Their posture suggests they are engaged in sightseeing or contemplation. The perspective of the image captures the bridge and its surroundings in a balanced composition, with the natural elements prominently framing the structure.

1619 Beggar's Bridge over the River Esk at Glaisdale.

This memorable North York Moors National Park hike reveals a lesser-known side of the region, trading the typical windswept heather moorlands for riverside paths and pastoral landscapes. The 5-mile circular route offers moderate terrain with diverse scenery as you journey clockwise from Glaisdale through Egton Bridge, incorporating sections of the famous Coast-to-Coast Walk.

Our 'directions' link below guides you to a roadside lay-by where several free parking spots await, with overflow parking available under the arches of the nearby railway bridge to the south. Before beginning your adventure, take a moment to admire the historic Beggar's Bridge, a beautifully preserved 1619 packhorse bridge spanning the River Esk. Local legend claims it was built by Thomas Ferris so he could safely cross the river to visit his beloved, regardless of flooding.

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⬤ 4★ Glaisdale and Egton Bridge Loop 4.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 260m (840ft)
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Head north along Limber Hill road and take the first turning on the left, which follows the course of the River Esk. After approximately half a mile, you'll reach a right-hand turning up a farm track leading to Church Dale Farm. Follow the path through the middle of the farm (please respect the working environment by closing all gates), then continue uphill to a short ridgeline overlooking picturesque farm fields.

The next section brings you close to local livestock. We were greeted with inquisitive snuffles from a trail-adjacent pigpen, then passed carefully through a field of grazing cattle. More farm fields have to be traversed before reaching the village of Egton Bridge, but not before passing a small woodland copse and Egton Cemetery with its charming Victorian mortuary chapel.

The image shows a natural outdoor setting with two people and a dog interacting near a river. One individual stands on a stone step in the river and appears to be taking a photograph with a camera. The second individual is crossing the river by stepping on a series of moss-covered stones, holding a leash connected to a dog. The dog is also moving across the stones. In the background, the riverbank is lined with lush green vegetation, and a wooden railing runs along the edge. The scene captures a moment of outdoor activity and engagement with nature.

One of two stepping stone causeways at Egton Bridge.

Arriving at the quaint village of Egton Bridge, you'll discover one of the trail's highlights – two sets of stepping stones crossing branches of the River Esk that lead on to the Horseshoe Hotel. The hotel marks an ideal place to take a break along your journey, offering excellent local ales, hearty Yorkshire meals and snacks, and a scenic beer garden. The pub welcomes muddy boots and dogs in the garden area.

The return leg to Glaisdale follows a section of Alfred Wainwright's 190 mile Coast-to-Coast Walk. Watch for long-distance hikers heading east; a friendly greeting or trail conversation is part of the walking tradition. After some road walking along Delves Lane, you'll join the historic Packman's Trod, a medieval trading route now transformed into a tranquil woodland path lined with ancient oak and beech trees.

The image depicts a gravel path running parallel to a calm, wide river. The path is bordered by tall green trees and bushes, creating a shaded environment. The river reflects the blue sky and scattered white clouds. On the opposite bank of the river, there is a mix of grassy areas, dense forest, and rolling hills in the distance. The scene conveys a sense of quiet and natural beauty, with no human or animal activity visible in the frame.

On the recently resurfaced section of Packman's Trod.

Expect the trail to involve several sections of paved country road, but also be ready for the possibility of muddy farm fields, particularly after significant rainfall. On our summertime hike we were thankfull not to encounter any mud at all. The terrain along this trail is mostly easy, though we've categorized this hike as moderate because of the chances for mud and livestock encounters.

If you're short on time or prefer shorter walks, both Beggar's Bridge and the Egton Bridge stepping stones can be visited separately with dedicated parking available at each location (marked on our map). For another scenic spot, visit the even more photogenic stepping stones in nearby Lealholm, popular with bathers in summer and featuring excellent ice cream from the village bakery. Here are the directions to the Lealholm step-stones.

History enthusiasts should consider reserving a visit to Glaisdale's fascinating Museum of Victorian Science, a hidden gem housing remarkable scientific artifacts and working demonstrations of Victorian-era technological innovations. Advance booking is essential for this unique experience. Here's a brief Yorkshire Post YouTube video about the museum.

The image features a traditional stone building identified as the 'Horseshoe Hotel' by a sign above the main entrance. The building has a red-tiled roof and multiple windows, with some surrounded by greenery, including trees and bushes. In the foreground, there are several wooden picnic tables placed on a neatly kept lawn. Three people are seated at these tables, enjoying the outdoor environment. The weather appears pleasant, with a clear sky and some light clouds visible. The setting conveys a peaceful, inviting atmosphere.

Horseshoe Hotel is a great mid-hike rest stop.

The image displays several thistle plants in close-up. The stems and leaves are green and covered in small, sharp spikes. The purple flowers are at different stages of bloom, with some fully open and others partially closed. The background is blurred, suggesting a field or area with more thistle plants. The focus of the image is on the texture and vibrant color of the flowers, highlighting their distinctive appearance.

Colorful trailside flowering thistles were not an impediment.

The image shows a picturesque rural scene with rolling green hills and a wide valley covered in dense grass. In the foreground, numerous sheep are scattered across a grassy field, grazing peacefully. The middle ground consists of patches of trees interspersed with open fields, forming a layered natural landscape. The background features distant hills rising gently under a blue sky with light, scattered clouds.

Expect to hike through fields of livestock on this pastoral hike.

Tangents:
• North York Moors: Glaisdale
• Wikipedia: Beggar's Bridge, Coast to Coast Walk
• AllTrails Public: Glaisdale & Egton Bridge
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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A castleated tower with defensive walls and colorful heraldic crest.

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