Pickering Beck and the Forest Trail

Seven and a half miles up both banks of Pickering Beck on forest track and riverside path, with a gentle 120 metres of ascent and a little over three hours of walking; the surface is firm gravel for much of it, which makes this the best wet-weather choice in the town. It begins at the market place and runs out past the North Yorkshire Moors Railway sheds, so park at the station if you want the steam and the toilets, or on Vivis Lane if you want to miss the crowds. The beck gives constant water and the forest tracks are wide enough for a dog to range ahead, but the line crosses the running railway on the level twice and there are roe deer in the plantations, so a recall you trust is the price of entry.