Weekend Walk: Malo Cross

This walk makes a fine alternative to the famous Hole of Horcum route, which the car park also serves.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Mar 2017, 10:00 BST
Malo CrossMalo Cross
Malo Cross

It is a relatively short walk high on the North York Moors, offering splendid views over RAF Fylingdales Ballistic Missile Early Warning Station and a visit to one of the national park’s ancient crosses. Malo Cross is one of several where a centuries-old tradition continues of leaving coins for poor travellers who are in need of money to buy food. Situated on the western fringe of Langdale Forest, a little pile of weathered money has gradually accumulated over the years, suggesting that poor wayfarers are less common these days. Part of the route is on the Old Wife’s Way, apparently named after a fertility goddess of local legend. Look out for golden plover and curlew in spring and summer, and - if you are lucky - goshawk or honey buzzard.

1. From the car park turn right (north) and walk with care a short distance to turn right onto a lane carrying a bridleway signposted to Crosscliffe. Don’t continue towards Newgate Foot Farm but turn left to follow a bridleway running beside trees. Over to the right is a trig point.

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2. Follow the bridleway round to the right and keep with it as it runs above Saltergate Brow, providing views over RAF Fylingdales to the north. Eventually the route runs gently downhill to Malo Cross.

RAF Fylingdales, seen across the moor.RAF Fylingdales, seen across the moor.
RAF Fylingdales, seen across the moor.

3. Turn right at the cross to follow the signposted low level path towards Newgate Foot Farm. Whinny Nab rises on the right. Follow the clear course of the footpath down past the farm, keeping to the right of buildings, then cross the access road to continue ahead on the path which eventually rises at an angle on Newgate Brow.

4. Join the bridleway which carries the Old Wife’s Way. Turn sharp right and follow it back to the A169. At the end, turn left and walk with care back to Saltergate car park.

Difficulty rating: 1 star.

Distance: 3 1/2 miles

Malo Cross Felled woodland at Blakey RiggMalo Cross Felled woodland at Blakey Rigg
Malo Cross Felled woodland at Blakey Rigg

Time: 1 1/2 hours.

Map: OS Explorer (1:25000) OL27, North York Moors Eastern Area

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Parking: North York Moors National Park car park at Saltergate (pay and display) on A169 Pickering-Whitby road. Satnav YO18 7NR, grid ref SE 852 936.

Public transport: Saltergate car park is on the Coastliner 840 (X40 B from late May 2017) bus services between Leeds and Whitby. For times visit www.wymetro.com or call 0113 245 7676.

Refreshments: Mobile van in car park.

Toilets: Nearest at Goathland and Pickering.