Route: Thornton-le-Dale to Ellerburn
Area: North Yorkshire
Date of walk: 8th October 2025
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.1 miles
Ascent: 100 feet
Weather: Mostly sunny
The picture postcard village of Thornton-le-Dale is in the North York Moors National Park and is often described as ‘The Jewel of the Moors’. The village is lined with old houses and independent shops and a babbling beck runs through it. It’s an idyllic place but popular at peak times, so we prefer to visit out of season. We parked in the pay and display car park at the edge of Thornton-le-Dale and, after passing by a pond, we crossed a bridge over Thornton Beck to arrive at the village green. We walked through the village with the beck on our right, passing by Lady Lumley’s Almshouses before leaving the main road to continue beside Thornton Beck. We passed by Beck Isle Cottage, an old thatched cottage which is one of the most photographed in the country. Continuing through the village we walked along Priestman Lane and then joined a delightful path towards our destination, Ellerburn. Thornton Beck was our constant companion on this section of the route
After a while we reached the tiny settlement of Ellerburn and its welcome sign ‘Where Time Stands Still’. We visited the small church of St Hilda’s which dates back to 1050AD, with some parts as old as 850AD. It’s a fascinating little place and well worth a visit. We then set off along the return leg, which is along a narrow and virtually traffic free lane. There were views over Ellerburn Valley along the way. At the end of the lane we made our way back into Thornton-le-Dale to end a short but sweet walk
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The start of today's walk as we leave the car park and pass by the village pond
The first of several crossings over Thornton Beck as we walk into the centre of Thornton-le-Dale
Thornton-le-Dale
We walk out of the village, with Thornton Beck on our right
We pass by Lady Lumley's Almshouses, founded by Lady Lumley in 1656
We follow the path past Beck Isle Cottage, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century...
We continue beside Thornton Beck and turn left at the end of the path
Leaving Thornton-le-Dale...
We follow a path along Ellerburn Valley, with Thornton Beck on our left...
Approaching Ellerburn
Looking back along Thornton Beck
We arrive at the tiny village of Ellerburn
We pass through the lychgate of St Hilda's Church
St Hilda's Church Ellerburn, dating back to 1050 AD
The church became famous in 2011 when a colony of Natterer's bats became so problematic that the church had to close. The bats' droppings soiled the interior, damaged furnishings, and created an unhealthy environment with an appalling ammonia smell, leading to health and safety fears for the congregation. While the church sought a license from Natural England to remove the bats, the process was lengthy due to the bats' protected status under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Looking back to Ellerburn as we leave the church
We follow the deserted lane above Ellerburn Valley -
Looking back to Ellerburn
The lane takes us gently uphill, with views of Ellerburn Valley along the way...
We continue along the lane and will shortly turn left along a footpath leading back to Thornton-le-Dale
We arrive back in Thornton-le-Dale and head back towards the village green
The centre of Thonrton-le-Dale - we turn left here and follow the pavement beside Thornton Beck back to the car park
