Inspiration in the Esk Valley, Grosmont, Egton Bridge and Glaisdale

A couple of weeks ago I spent the weekend in Grosmont in the Esk Valley with friends. It was my Christmas present to myself.

Another friend had tagged me in a tweet from Jim Leary about the 'trods' in the North York Moors saying they'd make a good picture. I asked Jim which were his favourite, the ones near Glaisdale was his reply. Perfect timing as that was the area we were heading to.

On Saturday we walked from Grosmont along the old railway line to Egton Bridge. From there we picked up the 'Bridge and Glaisdale' walk from the North York Moors National Park website. Find details of their route here.

Changes in the weather meant adapted the route slightly. The walk was 8.5 miles.

The walk follows the River Esk and goes through the woodlands of East Arncliff Wood. Here you can see examples of ancient stone trods or pathways. Some may date from medieval times when monks traveled through the area.

Beggar’s Bridge is in Glaisdale. The bridge was built in 1619 and is single arched packhorse bridge across the River Esk.

Read more about the well-known local tale of romance attached to Beggar’s Bridge here.

Read more about the construction of the bridge here.

We sampled a few pubs along the route. First stop, the Horseshoe Hotel on the River Esk in Egton Bridge.

The Postgate Inn by Egton Bridge Station was unfortunately closed for a private party but has lovely outdoor space on a sunny day.

Back in Grosmont popped into the The Geall Gallery before stopping at The Station Tavern. It was warm and cosy with open fires and we were greeted with tales of driving steam trains and Blue Peter badges by Fletch, a train driver on the NYMR (North Yorkshire Moors Railways). Read more here.

We stayed at Grosmont House B&B in the heart of the village and run by the lovely Selma and Chris.

There are six rooms as well as two self catering cottages and a self contained flat. Find details here.

On Sunday morning my friend and I made the most of the sunshine for a run along the old railway line.

Back at the B&B we had a delicious hearty full English breakfast before braving the elements on the Yorkshire Coast. Strong winds and sleet where forecast but we hoped to get a short walk along the beach in.

Sadly the weather had other ideas and the beach was like being in a sandstorm. Walking up the the whale bones on the hillside you could barely stand up with the force of the wind. The was only one thing for it, to cosy up in a cafe. Cranberry Swamp was just right.