The best MTB trails around Rosedale East Side

Tough ride up to here and could be dangerous to go down, but fantastic views!

Glorious views across Rosedale from this point on the northern side of Spaunton Moor. Disused railway track provides ideal surface for hiking, running and biking, very easy going with minimal gradient.

The vast majority of small sacred monuments encountered by hikers have a very long history, often dating back centuries. This is quite different with the object found here. Even though the cross on the top of the shaft draws on the ancient tradition and formal language of a "Celtic cross," it is very modern. It was erected to mark the turn of the millennium, to which it also owes its name "Millennium Cross." Therefore, here is a very short passage from the prayer for the Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, on Good Friday of the Jubilee Year 2000: + "To you, crucified Lord Jesus Christ, the power and wisdom of God, be honor and praise forever and ever. Amen."

Easy going trail on the feet

The monument includes a standing cross, Listed Grade II, used as a boundary marker and known as Fat Betty or the White Cross. It stands on Danby Moor at the junction of three parishes whose boundaries were fixed during the medieval period. It is on the north side of a minor road to Rosedale 510m to the east of the cross known as Young Ralph. On the north side of the base is the date 1919 cut in the stone. On the west side is an inscription BS IB 1953. Neither inscription bears on a date for this monument. There is also an OS benchmark on the west face. The cross has been repeatedly whitewashed over the years in accordance with the practice of the Downe Estate on which it stands. The cross has been set up on Danby Moor to mark the meeting of the old parishes of Danby, Westerdale and Rosedale. It also marks the side of an old road down to Rosedale from the cross called Young Ralph. The road is mentioned in a 13th century charter from Guisborough.

Terrific views of Rosedale valley and old iron ore workings at Rosedale East

don't eat the bananas

The Lion Inn on remote Blakey Ridge is a 16th Century family owned, Freehouse. Located at the highest point of the North York Moors National Park, it stands at an elevation of 1,325 feet offering breathtaking views over the valleys of Rosedale and Farndale. Steeped in history, open fires burn in the ancient stone fireplaces. The original low beamed ceilings and stone walls add to the friendly, timeless atmosphere of the Inn. Food served daily from 12 - 9pm.