The moors are mysterious and beautiful, and the roads make them easy to explore and experience. If you enjoy the idea of spending some time exploring the heather moorlands, along with some forests, this could be the option for you. The North York Moors is a national park that covers more than 885 kilometres in England and includes all of Kirkbymoorside, Whitby, and Scarborough.
Plan and Prepare
Travelling the moorlands can be a lot of fun, and it can provide you with plenty of places where you can stop and take some photos and videos of your trip. However, just as with any type of trip, you need to be sure that you are fully prepared. One of the things that you can’t forget on this trip is a map of the area. Even though you might have a map on your phone, the service is not always reliable in this area. It’s better to be safe rather than sorry. After all, you don’t want to be late checking into that quaint B&B you found online.
Of course, you should also be sure you know of places where you can refuel your vehicle, as well as yourself. Find some nice places to dine, as well as to stay in and around some of the villages. Be sure you have the right clothing for the time of year, and always make sure you pack an extra sweater or sweatshirt to stay warm.
The Route and Things to Enjoy Along the Way
There are many places where you might want to start your journey through the moors. One of the most popular short touring options is to head from Kirkbymoorside to York. The trip is only 55 kilometres, but there is plenty to see and enjoy. This trip begins in Kirkbymoorside and heads first to Pickering and then through to Malton and finally York.
Another fun route is to take the A169 along the coast through places like Goathland and Grosmont. You will find a range of different roads through the area that can make for fun drives. Get out and explore. Let’s look at some of the other things you can do when you head into this area.
You can find areas where you can get out of the car and walk along the moors, through the forests, along streams, and even along the coast. There is always the chance of spotting various types of wildlife, as well, so be sure to have your camera handy.
There are also many film and TV locations that some may want to visit. Rievaulx Abbey was used in the movie Transformers: The Last Knight, Castel Howard has been used in Brideshead Revisited, Victoria, and even Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties. In Goathland, you will find the train station that was used in the Harry Potter films for Hogsmeade Station.
Some other interesting places you might want to see on your tour include Roseberry Topping, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Whitby. There are plenty of beautiful and fun drives throughout the area. Get out and explore the roads.
Resources:
http://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-in-the-uk/best-road-trips-in-the-uk/
http://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/see-and-do
Image: http://www.beenthere-donethat.org.uk/yorkshire/kildale18big.html