On a slightly damp Saturday morning the YANT walkers set off to the North York Moors. Thankfully our driver, Peter Dawson, is an expert at negotiating the narrow twisty lanes through the moorland villages and we arrived safely at Lealholm for the start of our walk. Lealholm has been described as 'one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire' so we took a walk around, looking at the ancient water mill and other attractive stone cottages. The village was built at a crossing point of the River Esk and its 17th century bridge still stands but we decided to cross by the more exciting route across the stepping stones, luckily without mishap!

Following the river, we came to Glaisdale with its ancient Beggars Bridge built in 1619 by Thomas Ferries, a wealthy local farmer, in memory of his wife.

The path took us along the slippery stone trod into an area of ancient woodland, full of spring flowers, and on to Egton Bridge. Here, in August, is held the oldest gooseberry show in the country, the heaviest recorded being 35 drams - bigger than a golf ball!

Nearing Grosmont the group followed the old toll road which still has a board recording the charges:-

1 horse and 4 wheels - 4, Motor bus - 3/-, Hearse - 6D.

There was just time to have a look at the North York Moors Railway station before enjoying an excellent tea at the Gaell Artisan cafe and Art Gallery.