On a pleasant, fairly sunny day, five of us, together with a larger group under Ian’s leadership, alighted from the coach at Skelder Hill Farm on the A171.  We then headed SE down Moor lane to Aislaby.  Then our route took us downhill on a reasonable track SSE to join the Esk Valley Walk (EVW).  This was quite a pleasant walk SW along decent paths.  We stopped just before Back Wood for refreshments/coffee stop.  

On our way again, we entered the wood,  found the EVW and continued WSW after we came out of the wood.  There were good clear views north and south at this point.  After passing Newbiggin Hall and the farm, we headed along the northern edge of Dorsley Bank wood, following the path which cut the corner rather than the RoW sign.  The EVW then turned S past Grosmont Farm and then SW to join a minor road which took us towards Grosmont.  We left the road for the car park which was marked with picnic tables on the map, but there were none in evidence so we made our way up to Grosmont Station which had a surplus of picnic tables at the back of the station.  This was our lunch stop which was an enjoyable event being able to watch the trains and, for 3 of the group, having a very nice ice cream.

After lunch, we headed to the level crossing, crossed the road and proceeded up alongside the southern track passing Ian and his group who were having their lunch.  Climbing up the bank (not heading for the tunnel), we then had the excellent view of Grosmont station and the Esk Valley.  Turning onto a path on our left, we went past the railway sheds and sidings with trucks and carriages although it must be said that I write this mainly from memory (what little memory I have!!) as there was very little to see due to trees and shrubs on this occasion.  As the excellent firm gravel track dropped down to the level of the railway line we headed SW then S.  This was easy walking and we soon passed Holm House and a row of attractively painted houses.   Continuing S we came closer to the NYMR railway but unfortunately didn’t see any more trains, never mind steam trains.  We then arrived at a turning to Beck House.  Now, I had been promising the group that there was a great cafe at Beck House and another ice cream was on the cards.  However, at the end of this slight detour, all that was there were a few houses and a pub.  I should add that Peter Craig’s 7 mile group were sitting outside the pub enjoying some refreshment.  It soon became obvious that the cafe I was thinking of is not located at Beck Hole.  

So with a disappointed group, we proceeded on with our walk by rejoining the path we had been on and then turning off to the right on a path fingerposted as Mallyan Spout.   Initially this was quite a good path but after about 200 -300 metres we were faced with what looked like about a 100 step climb.  With John and I both suffering knee problems, we did not relish this but nevertheless continued on.  At the top, the path levelled out and was quite reasonable.  Some distance later we descended another flight of steps which brought us to the river bank with a finger post showing the Spout at 130 m.   We headed alongside the river and must have covered well over 100 m  on a reasonable path but with no sight of the Spout (looking at our track on the map it was probably less than 100 m).  At this point we were faced with large rocks which meant a difficult clamber.  We continued about 20 m and the rocks looked more difficult ahead and there was no sign of or noise of the Spout.  The three men decided not to continue as we felt it was not safe.  However, Dorothy wanted to see the Spout and said she would press on for a short distance.  Florence agreed to accompany her.  While we sat and waited, they slowly clambered over the rocks and out of sight.  About 5 min later they reappeared with smiles on their faces, advising us that they had reached Mallyan Spout, it wasn’t very far and it was well worthwhile.  However, the 3 men did not take up the challenge and so all 5 of us headed back to the fingerpost and a path climbing SE out of the valley.  Initially this headed through the woods and then into open countryside on a good path.  After reaching a hotel and the road we continued ESE on another path eventually reaching a dismantled railway track.  Turning NNW up the track, we met Jeff C from the 7 miler who had decided to have another stroll but we carried on past the Goathland Arms (our destination pub) to the coaches, where we arrived with about 90 min to spare.

A good walk in excellent weather.  Shame we all did not reach the Spout but we have Florence’s photos.