Levisham Moor and Skelton Tower

Levisham Moor stretches across the North York Moors south of Pickering, and this 7.2 km circuit takes in open heather moorland and the atmospheric ruins of Skelton Tower — a Victorian shooting lodge perched on the edge of the moor with views into the steep-sided Newtondale valley below. The route crosses classic moorland terrain with 359 metres of elevation gain, climbing from the village of Levisham through farmland before breaking onto the open moor where the landscape expands dramatically. Purple heather in late summer transforms the scene, and the sense of space and wildness is the defining character here.

This dog friendly walk is excellent for active dogs who love open moorland. Off-lead potential is high on the open moor, allowing dogs to range across the heather with real freedom. However, sheep graze on the moorland margins, so leads are essential where livestock is visible. The varied terrain — farmland paths, open heather, rocky viewpoints — keeps dogs engaged throughout, and the moorland air provides rich, layered scenting. The paths are well established but can be muddy after rain, particularly in the lower sections. Skelton Tower makes a memorable halfway point with commanding views into the valley below.