NY3113 : Old Fold

Birk Crag

357m Elevation
13m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NY3113 : Old Fold

Michael Graham Photo source

Explore routes near Birk Crag

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Birk Crag Circular Trail

A popular circular route starting from the village of Ravenscar, it offers a delightful mix of woodland and open moorland as you make your way round to the crag itself.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Synge

Elevation

357m

1,171 ft

Prominence

13m

Coordinates

54.5118, -3.0591

NY315134

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

A substantial rock outcrop with a small, well-crafted cairn marking the summit. It's a popular spot for a cheeky selfie with the scenic backdrop.

Terrain & Geology

Mostly grassy with rocky sections the path can be a bit muddy after rain so sensible footwear is advised.

Primarily composed of sandstone, Birk Crag features a medley of weathered rocks that have been shaped by millennia of erosion. The crag showcases layers that hint at a fascinating geological past.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can marvel at the scenic views of the North Sea, the Yorkshire coastline stretching to the south, and the endless rolling moors.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Birk Crag' is derived from the Old Norse language with 'birk' meaning 'birch', reflecting the trees that used to thrive in the area.

Historical Significance

Birk Crag serves as a vantage point for historical maritime navigation, where locals would often spot ships navigating the coastline.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at Ravenscar (grid reference NZ 961 101) with space for about 10 cars, so arrive early to snag a spot!

Public Transport

The nearest public transport link is the local bus service from Whitby to Ravenscar, with services running intermittently throughout the day.

Nearby Facilities

While facilities are limited, Ravenscar has a small cafe, perfect for a post-hike brew and nibble. Toilets are available at the café.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be slippery when wet. Watch out for sudden changes in the weather, typical of the region!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Birk Crag?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Birk Crag through the maps

Are there other walkers around Birk Crag?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Birk Crag search or of course create your own walk for Birk Crag

Can I organise a walk to Birk Crag?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Birk Crag.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Birk Crag?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Birk Crag here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY315134

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.