As you Lyke it

The voice of Michael 'hurricane' Fish penetrated my slumber, saying "the day this weekend for a bracing walk ...". And he was right. I went to Osmotherley, or rather, out of sympathy for the overwhelmed locals, one of its satellite car parks.

There was a Lyke Wake Walk signpost but no marathon for us. Our five miles is gentle but brings exceptional and various views. We start up the National Trust's Scarth Wood Moor for the day's first take on the Cleveland Hills, distant and dusted with snow. Plumes of smoke rose from a Teesside chimney, the same from burning heather.

From a sheltered bowl, we reached a breezy ridge, a splendid place, overlooking, through a veil of pretty and bare birch, the flatlands west.

Two constructions certify the quality of our elevation, a trig point and the British Telecom microwave station, the one visible from the A19.

You walk within yards of 40 dishes on gantries, like noughts and crosses in the sky; walk being the operative word for me as I prefer not to hang around when there's something in the air. But it must be worth a brain cell or two for the landscape connections.

For repair, be it spiritual, you could go down to Mount Grace Priory hidden in trees by the A19. Not a place though for mud or dogs, and while you might be uplifted, your legs will be leadened by the climb back up.

Better perhaps just carry on at a higher level because soon you get an official viewpoint with a radial plaque.

The day was super clear, yet York wasn't visible at 30 miles. I wondered about Cross Fell at 52 - could it be the white highlighted peak?

Now you have an easier option for a spiritual diversion, the short pilgrimage route to the Lady's Chapel, which is a lovely tranquil place to rest on a bench. And I saw the first frogs' spawn, always a cheer.

Then Osmotherley, the chance for a cup of tea (if not a car park space), followed by our very easy return on a high-level bridleway, mostly ten mile per hour tarmac.

Two species with contrasting fortunes dominated the fields. Sheep, poor things, ignorant and semi-unwanted, and greylag geese, wild and doing very well thank you, and eating the sheep's grass.

A 50-strong flock of these clever birds grazed away, with three of their number alert on lookout duty.

DIRECTIONS

When in doubt look at the map. Check your position at each point. Keep straight on unless otherwise directed.

1.Cross road from car park next to reservoir, path up moor begins at standing stone inscribed Lyke Wake Walk. Path swings right near field walls.

2. Gate/stile by wood and immediately gate/stile on right to wood edge path, pass BT 'dishes', downhill through wood.

3.Snickelgate/fieldgate to track through fields, straight on to track uphill at farm.

4. At stone pillar/viewpoint, track up to Lady's Chapel (signed). Return to viewpoint and left to track.

5.Left to road, left to tarmac 'private road' (signed to farm/bridleway).

6.At sharp left-hand bend, fieldgate ahead to grassy walled track to Direction No. 2.

FACT FILE

Distance: Five miles.

Time: Two to three hours.

Start: North end of Cod Beck Reservoir.

Right of way: The complete route is along public rights of way, permissive path and through open access area.

Date walked: Saturday, March 4 2000.

Road route: Osmotherley is one mile east of the A19.

Car parking: Free car park.

Lavatories: Osmotherley.

Refreshments: Pubs and tearooms at Osmotherley.

Tourist and public transport information: Helmsley TIC 01439 770173.

Map: Based on OS Outdoor Leisure 26, North York Moors western area.

Terrain: Escarpment.

Footwear: Walking boots.

Points of interest: Views.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Dogs: Suitable for dogs but keep on leads or under close control.

Weather Forecast: Evening Press and recorded forecast 0891 500 418.

Please observe the Country Code and park sensibly. Every effort is made to provide accurate information, but walkers set out at their own risk.

PICTURE:Pass this tree on route

Click here to view a map of the walk