Witness breathtaking landscapes, step through history and test your endurance.
If you are looking for an adventure, people of all ages still walk the Lyke Wake Walk every year. This 42-mile walk will take you from Scarth Wood Moor, Osmotherley, across some of the most remote parts of the North York Moors, ending at Ravenscar. Many people take on the challenge to complete the entire walk within 24 hours. Do you think you can do it? Here's further information about the Lyke Wake Walk.
History of the Lyke Wake Walk
The individual who conceived the idea of the Lyke Wake Walk was Bill Cowley. A former Indian Civil Servant, he worked as a farmer in North Yorkshire. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Bill was a passionate local historian, journalist, and broadcaster.
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The concept for the walk originated from an article written by Bill Cowley in the Dalesman magazine in August 1955. In this article, he outlined a 40-mile (64 km) trek across the North York Moors, travelling from east to west (or vice versa) primarily on heather-covered terrain, with only a few road crossings.
A 24-hour challenge
Due to the area's isolation, a solitary walker might not encounter another person during the one to two-day journey. Cowley issued a challenge for anyone to complete the trek from Scarth Wood Moor, located at the western edge of the moors, to Ravenscar on the coast, aiming to stay on or near the main watershed of the moorland within a 24-hour timeframe.
On October 1st, 1955, Bill Cowley and twelve others embarked on a challenge that they successfully completed, finishing at the Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar within the allotted time. Following their achievement, they established the renowned ‘Lyke Wake Club,' and the Lyke Wake Walk became one of the first ‘challenge' walks in the country.
In the five decades that have passed, it is estimated that over 160,000 people have taken on the Lyke Wake Walk. During its peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, as many as 15,000 walkers participated each year. Particularly on weekends in May and June, it was common to encounter thousands of walkers on the moors, many participating for charitable causes. This event has contributed to raising substantial funds for a variety of charitable organisations over the years.
The official records of the club can now be found at the County Records Office in Northallerton, while more informal materials, such as photographs and press clippings, are kept at the Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton-le-Hole.
Impact on the surrounding land
The increasing number of walkers began to impact the surrounding land, leading to regrettable damage to the sensitive and delicate moorland ecosystem. In response, the Lyke Wake Club collaborated closely with landowners and the National Park Authorities to address this issue. To help alleviate the pressure, they developed two new routes— the Hambleton Hobble and the Shepherd's Round— to distribute foot traffic more evenly across the area.
The Lyke Wake Walk still draws individuals who continue to take on this challenge. Fortunately, this decrease in foot traffic has allowed the seriously compromised moorland ecosystem to start recovering.
The word “Lyke” means corpse in Old English
The name derives from a lyke, the corpse and the wake – watching over the deceased. The connection with death and funeral processions is that rather than following someone else’s, you feel like you’ve completed your own by the end! You will be physically exhausted, and injuries are common.
Traditionally, the route connects the Bronze Age tumuli (burial mounds) on the high moorland watershed. When the walk was first established, it served as a significant test of endurance, featuring no defined footpaths and relying solely on navigation skills and knowledge of the moors. Hikers would contend with knee-deep heather and face the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Safety and factors to consider before taking part in the Lyke Wake Walk
Before embarking on the Lyke Wake Walk, the Hambleton Hobble, or the Shepherd's Round, it's essential to consider the following walking guidelines:
- All trails are challenging; only experienced walkers should attempt them during winter.
- It's important to inform someone of your walking plans and establish a central telephone number for all walkers and the support team to report to. Remember that mobile phones may not function well in upper-moorland areas and often struggle to connect to local emergency services. In such cases, the operator might be unaware of your location or the specifics of your situation.
- Carry and wear appropriate clothing and equipment. Wear walking boots and warm clothing. Carry waterproofs, water, food, and an up-to-date map.
- Only small groups should undertake the walks at any given time for conservation reasons.
- Do not leave litter or make considerable noise near houses.
- Always follow the designated paths. Numerous reports have been of walkers using the unauthorised route across Flat Howe. Instead, please follow the railway tracks that lead to the Lion Inn.
- All walkers should familiarise themselves with the CROW Act. It's important to note that it doesn't grant an unrestricted ‘right to roam'; areas of open moorland can be closed at any time to accommodate the needs of landowners.
- Keep dogs on a close lead at all times.
- Cafes and hotels may be unable to cope with large parties with large backpacks and muddy boots, so please be considerate.
How long does the Lyke Wake Walk take?
On average, walkers take about 12–19 hours to finish the route, and during the summer months, it can be completed entirely in daylight. You should train right and be able to walk more than 20 miles on a training route. The route offers flexibility, allowing completion in either direction, and those who successfully finish are eligible to wear the accompanying badge.
The Routes
The Lyke Wake Walk
The Lyke Wake Walk takes you across the North Yorkshire Moors along the principal east-west watershed, stretching roughly 40 miles from the Stone at grid reference 470994 to the Trig point at 971012.
Since its creation in the 1950s, the route has seen some adjustments due to the establishment of the Fylingdales early warning base in 1962, which resulted in a change of path.
There isn’t an official route; instead, there is a commonly accepted path that most walkers choose to follow.
You can start your journey at the Scarth Wood Moor trig point or the western Lyke Wake Stone in the Sheepwash car park. Following the New Lyke Walk Club guidebook guidance, you’ll start with the steep ascent along the Cleveland Way summit track.
This well-marked trail (occasionally adorned with tiny black-painted coffins by some adventurous hikers) will lead you over Live Moor, Carlton Moor, Cringle Moor, Cold Moor, and Hasty Bank before you continue along the whimsically named Smuggler’s Trod to reach Bloworth Crossing.
At this point, the Cleveland Way veers north while the Lyke Wake Walk follows the remnants of the Ironstone Railway line for approximately 7 km (4.5 miles) until you arrive at the Lion Inn in Blakey.
Follow the road around until just past the Fryup turn-off.
After that, the path to Wheeldale becomes less defined, generally aligning with the boundary stones (and the District council boundary) leading to the Blue Man-i-th’-Moss standing stone. From there, continue along the watershed to reach Wheeldale Road.
The stretch of about 6km (3½ miles) from the Wheeldale Road to the A169 road at Eller Beck is much more clearly marked. You’ll quickly cross the Roman Road, navigate the stepping stones over Wheeldale Beck, and pass the former youth hostel at Wheeldale Lodge, where you can admire the impressive early warning station.
As you proceed past the early warning station, be aware that the route crosses MoD land. While passage is permitted, stick to the path that runs along the bank of the stream.
The original tradition was to continue the extra mile to the bar of the Raven Hall Hotel, which, in practice, brings the total distance up to approximately 40 miles.
Witches and Dirgers
Anyone who walks the Lyke Wake Walk in under 24 hours and informs the Club is eligible for membership. There is no membership fee; female members are called Witches, and male members are called Dirgers. Click here for more route information.
The Hambleton Hobble
As an alternative to the Lyke Wake Walk, the Hambleton Hobble was created by Paul Sherwood in 1983. This 51 km circular route typically begins in Osmotherley and connects four pubs in Osmotherley, Hawnby, Scawton, and Silton. Due to recent changes in ownership and closures, the pubs may not be aware of the walk, and there have been no reports regarding their attitudes toward walkers. Nevertheless, you can start the route at any point and complete it as two separate circular hikes. Those who finish the walk are entitled to wear an official woven badge to symbolise their achievement.
The Shepherd's Round
Bill Cowley created the Shepherd's Round in 1983 as an alternative to the Lyke Wake Walk. This challenging 64km route begins in Osmotherley, leading you through Urra Moor, Rudland Rigg, and Brandsdale, crossing Bilsdale before continuing onto Snilesworth Moor and returning to Osmotherley along the western escarpment of the moors. The walk involves significant hill climbing, and those completing it have the right to wear a woven badge. Find further information about these routes here.
The Lyke Wake Walk, our top tips
- Prepare for the weather: The weather in the North York Moors can be unpredictable, so always carry waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and extra layers.
- Navigation: The route is marked, but carrying a map or guidebook is always helpful, especially when visibility is poor.
- Fitness level: Consider your fitness level. The Lyke Wake Walk is physically demanding. Parts of the route, especially the Cleveland Hills, are steep.
- Timing: While the 24-hour challenge is achievable for experienced walkers, taking time and enjoying the scenery is better. Most people take 2 days to complete the walk over to enjoy it comfortably.
- Pack water and snacks: Carry enough water for the journey and take regular hydration breaks. Dehydration can impair your performance significantly. Bring high-energy snacks like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit to keep your energy levels up throughout the walk.
- Listen to your body: Don’t hesitate to take a break or alter your plans if you're feeling fatigued or unwell.
A few places to eat, drink and stay along the way
Osmotherley (Start of the Walk)
The Queen Catherine Hotel: A traditional pub with rooms in Osmotherley. It's a great starting point to grab a bite and rest before setting off.
Cote Ghyll Camping and Youth Hostel: Cote Ghyll Mill is a VisitEngland 4-star rated group accommodation in a converted linen mill in the idyllic countryside of the North York Moors National Park. It is ideal for families, groups of friends, and individuals walking, cycling or exploring the magnificent North York Moors National Park routes.
Blakey Ridge (Halfway)
The Lion Inn: Located on the Blakey Ridge, this is one of the few remote inns along the route. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and offers a cosy place to rest your legs. It’s a little over halfway along the walk and a good stopping point if you want to split the journey.
Ravenscar (End of the Walk)
Raven Hall Hotel: 600 feet above sea level, overlooking Robin Hood's Bay in the North York Moors.
The Ravenscar Tearooms: A lovely spot for a post-hike treat, with great coast views.
The challenge is just as much a psychological one as it is a physical one. It’s not for the inexperienced. Completing this trek offers a sense of accomplishment and a profound appreciation for the wild, untamed beauty of the Moors. Whether it's the thrill of the challenge or the tranquillity found in the countryside, the Lyke Wake Walk leaves a lasting impression, inviting all who embark on it to return to its paths time and time again.
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