Put your best foot forward (From Gazette & Herald)

Put your best foot forward

OVER the next two weeks, the Gazette & Herald will endeavour to provide a introductory guide to enjoying the best of the North York Moors National Park - whether on foot and by bicycle.

This week, we concentrate on some of the most rewarding walking territory that the area can offer. Next week, we look at some of the moors' finest routes for cyclists.

A good place to begin a walking tour would be the 2.7km round route on Sutton Bank, via the famous White Horse.

This old favourite takes you to the top of the most northerly white horse in England and gives you ample opportunity to savour one of the finest views in England.

Alternatively, see the magnificent structure of the white horse from below and simply marvel at its originality and craft. However, just watch out for that missing rider...

The Cawthorn Roman Camps walkway, meanwhile, is one of the most archaeologically significant routes the national park has to offer.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a group of fortifications overlooking the central moorlands of what became the national park.

This route gives you the opportunity to see the remarkable earthworks that the Romans put in place to protect them-selves, and provides an insight into what life must have been like for the legionaries who occupied them.

With free entry, Cawthorn Camps is sure to satisfy both history fanatics and those on a limited budget.

If a more relaxing excursion is for you, then why not take a trip round Staindale Lake in the heart of Dalby Forest - you won't be disappointed.

The views are superb and the resident ducks are sure to make you feel welcome if you visit with a packed lunch.

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, why not try The Cleveland Way National Trail.

This 110-mile walking route follows the fantastic scenery of the North York Moors National Park, crossing lengths of stunning heather moorland and providing spectacular views of the North Yorkshire coastline.

The distance you walk is left to your own judgement - some enjoy a few hours, others spread the journey over a few days, and the more vigorous of you may take nine days to complete the whole route, beginning at Helmsley and ending at Filey.

This is a magnificent way to see the moors and the Heritage Coast, stopping to take in the marvellous views and villages along the way.

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, April 28, 2004