Rosedale

If you love walking, there's no better place.

The Orange Tree specialises in creating walking breaks for groups of up to 15 people. We tailor these walks to any level of experience from beginners to experienced walkers who might want to do their own thing. From a gentle stroll down to Rosedale Abbey or an invigorating hike up Rosedale Chimney Bank, there are plenty of trails to explore.

Rob’s an experienced outdoor enthusiast and walker and always on hand to show you around and explain the fascinating history of the area. Or, if you want to do your own thing, trails such as Lyke Wake Walk and its diverse wildlife and moorland scenery are perfect. We can give you advice and suggest walks and route maps if you need them.

Our walking breaks can also include any of our therapeutic sessions such as relaxation, visualisation, gentle exercise and reflexology or massage by qualified experts at a small extra cost. You can also use our sauna and foot spas.

Walking holidays - a typical itinerary

Our location makes The Orange Tree an ideal location for a wlking holiday, exploring Rosedale. Here is a typical itinerary for yopur dream holiday. Just imagine the beautiful scenery (and don't forget the hot tub or sauna when you get back......)

Rosedale Abbey

The tiny village of Rosedale Abbey is in the heart of Rosedale, a beautiful North Yorkshire valley of sweeping hillsides and breathtaking scenery.

Today, all that’s left of the 12th century Cistercian Priory that gave the village its name is a stone pillar, staircase and maybe a sundial. Otherwise, there’s a small green with a couple of country pubs and tearooms, a village shop, bakery, art gallery and glass studio.

First established in 1158, the small priory was home to nine nuns and a prioress, who was the first to develop commercial sheep farming in the area. The Dissolution of the Monasteries saw the end of the Priory in 1535, which remained intact until the middle of the 19th century when stone was taken for building. The final remnants were used to build the village church on the site of the original chapel.

Rosedale Ironstone

Mining for iron ore in Rosedale began in medieval times and was commercially developed in the mid-19th century to meet demand from industries on Teesside.

Today, you can still see the stone arches for the kilns, the Sheriff's Pit, and the place where the railway followed the contours of the hillside.

You can even spend a whole day walking the old track bed to the East mines. The workings closed in 1929 and the landmark 100ft Rosedale Chimney finally pulled down in 1972.

There are some interesting photos of the oold mine works on the following walkers web site: http://docbrown.info/docspics/lastingham/laspage05.htm

If you look at the attached map, using the map link on the left, you can see the disused mineworkings and dismantled railway track. It's a fascinating short walk, just 300 yards from The Orange Tree.

More information on walks in Rosedale.

There are several other web sites which contain details of walks in this area. Try the following: www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_a/3187/ and www.dalesman.co.uk/walks/rosedale.htm

Beyond Rosedale

Rosedale is just one of three beautiful dales in the area.

To the west is Farndale, one of the most picturesque dales in the North York Moors National Park. Its stunning daffodils are a must if you visit The Orange Tree in Spring.

Nearby Bransdale is equally charming with its remote, windswept beauty that makes it popular with walkers.

To the west of Rosedale Abbey is a forest, ideal for walking or the scenic Newdale Forest Drive. The famous Hole of Horcum viewpoint lies just beyond overlooking the spectacular valley and legendary North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

There's lots to see and visit on foot or by car.