Walking at the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Last Sunday I set off with four friends to do one of our favourite walks, the Hole of Horcum, in the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire.

The Hole of Horcum is a huge natural amphitheatre 400 feet deep and more than half a mile across.

Map of the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

We parked at the car park on the A169 above the Hole of Horcum.

We walked from the 'you are here' on the map, east along the blue trail and then red to Levisham. From there we walked north east to Skelton Tower and back east along the top yellow path, back to the car park. In all the walk was about 8 miles.

View of the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

The view from the path at the start of the walk.

View down into the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

We were blessed with winter sunshine and bright blue skies. It feels like autumn colours have carried on late this year and the bracken still holds it auburn glow.

Winter sunshine Hole of Horcum, North Yorkshire

I love shadows. This is myself and four friends.

Map of the Layers in the landscape, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Lenticular clouds, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Lenticular clouds on Levisham Moor.

Grazing sheep.

Hawthorn tree, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

The path towards the Horseshoe Inn at Levisham where we were enjoyed a drink and lunch outside in the winter sun.

The pub dose great food and is the perfect place to stay to for a weekend.

Path towards Skelton tower, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Walking back east towards Skelton Tower.

Hawthorn trees are a key feature of the landscape.

View from Skelton Tower, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Just by Skelton Tower you get great views of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. If your lucky and time it right you'll be treated to a steam train passing by.

Walking along the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Setting sun, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Shameless selfie, walking along the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Layers and trees in the distance, Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

The path below is one that we often walk along too. I think it's the blue path of the map at the top of this post. I love seeing landscapes and countryside at different times of the year. It's the view which inspired the print below.

Walking at the Hole of Horcum, North York Moors National Park

Being one of my favourite walks, I've already created a linocut print inspired by a photograph I took looking back down the bank after doing a walk there one summer about seven years ago. The heather was in full bloom.

Find out more about limited edition original print here.