Discover the Beauty of Upper Thomason Foss : A Scenic Autumn Walk
Embark on a captivating walk that begins in the quaint village of Goathland, famously known as “Aidensfield” from the ITV series Heartbeat. Start your journey by parking in the public pay-and-display lot, then head toward the crossroads at NZ 83041 01701. From here, continue westward until you spot a fingerpost that leads you alongside a charming garden and into open fields.
As you stroll through the fields, you’ll soon descend to Eller Beck and Upper Thomason Foss, with a picturesque view of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as your backdrop. The footpath crosses the beck and passes under a railway bridge, before gradually climbing again. Photographers will find the steep and somewhat challenging descent to Upper Thomason Foss particularly rewarding, especially if timed during the vibrant colours of autumn.Β Note; that you cannot get to Thomason Foss from Upper Thomason Foss, to do that you will need to carry on to Beck Hole.
Continue along the path, keeping the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on your left as it winds around the top of Eller Beck. Eventually, the path will bring you to a public road and a bridge over the railway, leading you down into the idyllic hamlet of Beck Hole. Here, a visit to the Birch Hall Inn is a mustβthis charming pub, with a bar area smaller than most living rooms, offers a cosy spot to enjoy a pint and a pie.
From Beck Hole, you have two options to return to Goathland. You can follow the old railway path, which provides a gentle incline back to the village, or take the more adventurous route along the river. This path leads you along the top of the valley carved by West Beck, eventually bringing you to Mallyan Spout, the tallest waterfall in North Yorkshire. After admiring the waterfall, you can either backtrack slightly to take the gentle path back to Goathland, emerging near the Mallyan Spout Hotel, or continue a bit further along West Beck to grid reference NZ 82152 00832. From there, ascend the steep steps to the road and turn left to return to Goathland.
This walk offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, local history, and peaceful countryside, making it an ideal way to spend an autumn day exploring the best of North Yorkshire.
