Bell End Farm - Rosedale, North York Moors, England

Walks around Bell End Farm, Rosedale

Rosedale is a beautiful deep valley, extending nearly eight miles, and running north to south. The River Seven flows through the dale from its source at Rosedale Head, immediately south of the main east-west watershed on the North York Moors, to join the River Rye in the Vale of Pickering.

Rosedale Prory ruins before 1850 - the belfry (centre right) is all that now remains of the building.

The main village is Rosedale Abbey, situated in the geographical centre of the National Park. It is the site of a former Cistercian Priory dating back to 1158, but visitors expecting to see majestic ruins, such as those at nearby Rievaulx or Whitby, are in for a disappointment, for all that remains is a ruined stone spiral staircase standing near the Church of St Mary and St Lawrence.

The village and dale rely these days on farming, forestry and tourism for income, but for a limited period during the mid/late 19th century, Rosedale was the scene of a flourishing ironstone industry. At first glance, looking at the peace and tranquility of the dale as it appears nowadays, one would find this difficult to believe. However, if you look around, there is still plenty of evidence to be found of Rosedale’s industrial past, much of which will be seen on the accompanying walks.

In 1871, at the height of the mining industry, the population of Rosedale was 2,839. These days it is probably nearer a tenth of that figure.

But the Dale lives on, amid the changing beauty of the seasons. Winters can be very harsh upon these moors and in the dales - drifting snow has been known to isolate the surrounding villages for several weeks in past years, although the milder climate we seem to be enjoying more recently has made this an ever rarer occurrence.

Spring brings forth a wonderful show of wild flowers, including bluebells and daffodils, the latter being a great attraction in nearby Farndale, the setting for one of our walks. In the summer, the fields are patchwork quilt of colours as the crops ripen. The various shades of green of the woodland and forest contrast with the bracken and heather covered slopes.

Then autumn follows, with the russet colours of dying leaves and bracken contrasting with the evergreen forests and darkening heather, bringing yet another season to a close.

Please remember that the weather can change rapidly in this area, especially on the moor tops. Wet and misty conditions can close in rapidly so make sure you either wear, or carry suitable clothing, especially strong boots and waterproofs. Always carry such essentials as a good map, compass, whistle, first aid kit, plenty of food and drink, etc. Mobile phones are useful to carry with you these days, although most parts of Rosedale receive a weak signal, if any.

Rosedale Chimney was a landmark for many miles around the dale - built in 1860 and demolished in 1972.

In fair weather, walking in Rosedale is a pleasure whatever the season. Not only is there the natural beauty of the area to enjoy, but also the fascinating relics of past industry, which seem to appear around every corner - try closing your eyes and imagine you were there over 100 years ago!