Farndale “Daffodil walk”

Route Description for Farndale “Daffodil walk”

From the car park take the footpath that leads down to the River Dove, signposted to High Mill. The path crosses the stream via a small-gated footbridge. Turn left through the second gate onto the path running upstream. The path is obvious and well maintained all the way to the Daffy Café, a super spot just short of Church Houses. Continue along the footpath, negotiating gate after gate as the path meanders along the valley through idyllic Yorkshire meadows and woodland.

After 2.0 km, cross the stream and head across a final field to a gate and cluster of houses. Here you will find the quirky ‘Daffy Café’. For those requiring wheelchair or pushchair access follow the same route back to the car park at Low Mill.

If you wish to make this a loop – very much recommended – continue along the lane that swings to the right and leads you from Daffy Café to Church Houses. Once in Church Houses, turn right to follow the road around the village pub and then turn right again to follow the road to Hutton-le-Hole and Gillamoor.

Take the road uphill for 0.8 km, passing a church to your left and a small cottage on your right. Shortly after passing the cottage turn right through a gate, signposted as a public footpath and continue following this path alongside the stonewall. Climb over the impressive ladder stile, one of many to come, and continue towards the farm building ahead.

Follow signs between farm buildings and then continue ahead along a broad track for 200 m or so. Here veer right, again following a public footpath sign. Climb the stone stile and head diagonally across a field towards another small farmyard. Follow yellow arrows to cross above the farmhouse, climbing a stile into another field. Cross directly in front of a country cottage. If you are lucky there may still be eggs and jam on offer – the damson and red plum jam was a definite hit!

The path continues across farmland, beginning to drop back down towards the river. Follow the yellow arrows as they lead you across several fields and emerge onto a farm track that takes you up towards another set of farm buildings. Keep ahead and leave the farmyard to your right on the far side. Follow the footpath down to cross a small footbridge, continuing downhill towards the gated footbridge, which was crossed at the start of the hike.

Return to the car park via the footbridge.

Find more amazing walks in North York Moors National Park:

• Roseberry Topping Walk
• Hole of Horcum Walk
• Hayburn Wyke Walk

Insider Hints for Farndale “Daffodil walk”

• Make the route accessible for everyone (buggies and all!) by walking out and back along the River Dove to the Daffy Café.
• Head in early spring to see the valley flooded with yellow daffodils or late spring for the beautiful bluebells.
• Stop off at the Daffy Café just before you hit Church Houses for an ice cream or cuppa!
• Take some cash for local eggs or homemade jam from "farm gate sales".