Eleven of us set off from the village of Commondale on a (for once) dry and moderately warm Saturday morning - our route being essentially The Pathfinder ex challenge walk (with some minor deviations).  

Heading broadly north west for about 4 miles we made our way initially between Skelderskew Moor and North Ings Moor and then onto Gisborough Moor (that’s how OS Maps spells it) - but avoided the drop down into Guisborough Woods turning west and then promptly due south.

Close to Codhill Heights we were joined by the Hangingstone Leap ex challenge route which we then shared for the next 7 miles over Kildale Moor.  But just outside Kildale village we took advantage of the almost purpose built roadside stone seating arrangement for a much needed coffee stop.

Refreshed we continued up and over more of Kildale Moor, finally shaking off the Hangingstone Leap route just after the ford at Hob Hole - and then dropping down into Westerdale.  From Westerdale we took Broad Gate Road past Broad Gate Farm before the steep ascent and then descent of Castleton Rigg and down into Danby Botton where thankfully we found a rather nice shady area for our lunch stop.

Now heading north east initially and then almost due north we climbed out of Danby Botton for a long stretch along Danby Rigg before dropping down and (almost by magic) finding ourselves in the Danby Lodge Visitor Centre (well done our leader for this welcome deviation!).  Teas, ice creams, cakes and refilled water bottles were the order of the day and most welcome in the now quite humid conditions. 

Refreshed (again!) we headed north initially on Lord’s Turnpike and then a long road stretch across Danby Low Moor, before finally turning westwards on a wheeled track (lots of ruts, puddles and rubble!).  Nearly home now and one final stretch of road before dropping down a grassy bank and back into Commondale. 

Many thanks to our leader for her expert and seemingly effortless navigation.  A little too warm and humid at times (the weather not our leader) but a welcome change from recent wet outings and a great day out much enjoyed by all.