On the moors near Whitby, there are signs and settlements going back thousands of years. These are best seen at Malo Cross. The simple walk to the cross also takes in the ‘Old Wife’s Way’ and some lovely views on Whinny Hill.
Start at Saltergate car park, but this walk does not follow the popular trail on the far side of the A169 which takes you in to the Hole of Horcum. It is worth a look whether you have been or not. However, to search for Malo Cross and leave the crowds and head north along the road for a few metres, but before the road bends left there is a lane heading off to the right. This is Old Wife’s Way, possibly named after the ancient lady of legend who oversaw the fertility of the young ladies in ancient times. The lane heads over fields towards some forestry ahead and to the left.
Where the lane meets a second lane coming in from the right, turn left and drop steeply towards a farm. This is Newgate Farm at the foot of Newgate Brow. If you continue along the track north east for 200 metres there is one of the three standing stones of Newgate in a field to your left. A smaller one lies nearby and the third is tucked in to the wall.
Return to the farm and take a footpath heading north with the woods on your right. Follow the footpath for one mile, the path is sandwiched between Langdale Forest and some high, steep land to the left. Before arriving at the boundary you will see Malo Cross.
Malo Cross is one of a number of ancient stone crosses that remain as an obvious legacy of the ancient Britons and their pagan ways. The crosses (roughly 2,000 remain across Britain but a number in the North York Moors) were built for a number of reasons, to commemorate a battle, mark a religious location, a place of penance or to mark a boundary. The latter is most likely in this case.
In addition Malo Cross is deemed a monolith cross ie: one placed directly in the ground, which is probably why it is now lopsided! If you do see some old coins scattered around, they were left for poor wayfarers to buy food with, a tradition that has been replaced by today’s food banks.
From the cross turn left on a bridleway heading west and skirting up the steep hillside on to the slopes of Whinny Hill. The highest point of the hill is to the eastern end of the plateau (but not accessible), the remainder of the hill flat.
Where the path turns in to a track enjoy the views north and east in particular. RAF Fylingdales dominates the view but it is also possible to appreciate the views further afield across the wild moor. In the far distance I was able to pick out the distinctive shape of Roseberry Topping.
On meeting a wall turn south/left and continue along the hillside, a trig point clearly visible to the left. The path finally rejoins Old Wife’s Lane near the main road.
Walk facts:
Distance: Roughly four miles.
Height to climb: 80m (260 feet).
Start: SE 852397. Park at the Hole of Horcum car park on the A169.
Difficulty: Easy. A short walk on good tracks with only one climb.
Refreshments: The nearest pub is at Lockton.
Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL27) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.
Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.
- Jonathan Smith is the owner of Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has written three books on walking in the Dales, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, The Dales 30 mountains and Walks without Stiles. All these books (and more) are available direct from the Where2walk website making an excellent Christmas gift. Jonathan also runs navigation courses (for beginners and more advanced) and a series of guided days in the Dales including the popular Dales 30 Weekenders. The 2025 dates are now available on the website. Where2walk.co.uk features hundreds of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding days and navigation courses.
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