Basking Howe Belt

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Scarborough

England

Basking Howe Belt

Forest bridleway Bridleway number 30.2/012 heading west through the forest, which at about this point becomes open access, which seems odd as all of Wykeham Forest appears to be accessible to the public. — Forest bridleway Credit: Gordon Hatton

Basking Howe Belt is a scenic woodland located in Yorkshire, England. Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this enchanting forest is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometers, Basking Howe Belt is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a captivating display of vibrant colors during the autumn season. The woodland floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers and mosses, adding to the picturesque landscape.

The forest is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the forest's hidden gems, including secluded streams, charming ponds, and ancient stone formations. Along the way, visitors may also encounter various wildlife species such as deer, rabbits, and a wide variety of bird species.

Basking Howe Belt provides a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its serene atmosphere, coupled with the gentle sounds of nature, makes it an ideal spot for meditation, picnicking, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

In addition to its natural beauty, Basking Howe Belt also holds historical significance. The forest is dotted with remnants of ancient settlements and stone structures, serving as a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Basking Howe Belt in Yorkshire is a captivating woodland that offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the timeless beauty of the British countryside.

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Basking Howe Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.266901/-0.5301639 or Grid Reference SE9586. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Forest bridleway

Bridleway number 30.2/012 heading west through the forest, which at about this point becomes open access, which seems odd as all of Wykeham Forest appears to be accessible to the public.

Gordon Hatton

Rise Dikes

The section of dike to the west of Moor Road which is rather better preserved than that on the east side. A scheduled ancient monument, the dike is thought to date back to the middle Bronze Age period and probably represents part of a system of territorial land division. The dike has been largely destroyed where it crosses farmland, but would once have crossed the rigg between Sawdon Dale to the west and Bee Dale to the east.

Gordon Hatton

Welcome to North Moor

A sign on Moor Road at the northern end of this tiny community on the edge of the forest.

Gordon Hatton

Houses at North Moor

North Moor is no more than a scattered hamlet at the southern edge of Wykeham Forest. The name doesn't appear on old maps and the only residence shown on maps of pre 1950 date is that of Wykeham Low Moor House in the same place as Wykeham Moor Cottages are shown on current OS maps. I suspect that the group of houses shown here may have been built for forestry workers as they first appear on the OS map of 1950.

Gordon Hatton

Farmland and forest at North Moor

The only view possible through the hedgerow from a corner of the square. Some rather dull farmland with the edge of the forest beyond.

Gordon Hatton

Wykeham Grange

Farm on the Tabular Hills above Wykeham. It's always possible that any farm in North Yorkshire which has 'grange' as part of the name might have links to the medieval monastic grange system, but without further research I'm not sure about this one.

Gordon Hatton

Field edge, Low Moor

Looking north towards the edge of Wykeham Forest.

Gordon Hatton

Approaching the junction at the top of Ruston Lane

A short stretch of almost tarmacked lane heading towards Rowhowe House which is seen in the distance. At the junction a bridleway continues west past the farmhouse, whilst to the left is Ruston Lane, shown as a green dotted route on current OS maps.

Gordon Hatton

Ruston Lane

The lane drops steadily downhill towards Ruston village. In the distance is the northern scarp of the Wolds. The lane is shown as an 'other route with public access', eventually becoming a 'yellow road' further down, but one would be hard pressed to notice the difference as the surface of this lane is little worse than the road it becomes.

Gordon Hatton