Square Corner Challenge
Square Corner– Carlton Bank – Cod Beck – Oak Dale Circular
Distance: 18 miles 29km
Time: 8-9 hours
Grade: Moderate
Meet: Square Corner carpark at GR 479959 for a 08.30 start – to get to the carpark from Osmotherley follow the Hawnby Road for about 2 miles, you will then come to a sharp left turn where the road meets the Cleveland Way. This is Square Corner carpark and is shown on the map as Square Corner.
From Square Corner we head off along the road for a short while before turning left and onto the open moor. This is wide open barren moorland with excellent views on a clear day, to the east Bilsdale Mast stands firm dominating the skyline. The first signs of human involvement presents itself at Swainby Shooting House at Rye Head. From here we contour round several more moors staying high on the Cleveland hills before reaching BarkersCrags, a prominent craggy outcrop on Whorlton Moor. We head north towards the summit at Carlton Bank (408m) passing the Glider Club en route to the top. There are some splendid views from Carlton Bank with Roseberry Topping to the right and the Industrial heartland of Teesside visible to the left. From the top we turn left and follow the Cleveland Way for several miles to Scarth Wood Moor before descending down to Cod Beck Reservoir, a popular and picturesque walking and picnic place for many visitors, it is also near the start of the Lyke Wake Walk another NY Moors classic 40 mile challenge. From here we make our way through the forest to Oak Dene Reservoir and return to Square Corner.
Safety and the Weather
As the group leader, I am responsible for your safety and will be more attentive to your needs throughout, and may show more caution than individuals might when walking on their own.
II undertake continuous risk assessment, and may take the decision to change or modify walking plans at short notice. This most commonly occurs in bad weather conditions. I do lead walks in all weather, so long as it is safe to do so.
