Walkmates
Walk
Route by PaulWalkmates
Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.
Start at High Staindale car park beside Staindale Lake, reached along Dalby Forest Drive. This is the long Woodcock Way circuit, following the orange walking markers through Staindale, Yondhead Rigg and Crosscliff, then returning through Seavy Slack and Peathead Rigg. The northern forest tracks open up views towards the North York Moors before the route drops into more enclosed woodland. Choose the long loop at the signed split rather than the shorter return.
Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the climbs, uneven woodland paths and a few short stops. Most of the circuit uses forest tracks, with narrower paths in the valleys. Mud and slippery footing are possible after rain. Forestry England grades this trail moderate and advises that it is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Watch for cyclists on shared tracks and for forestry vehicles. The return crosses Dalby Forest Drive and includes a short road section back to the car park.
Dalby Forest is open from 8am to 8pm. Parking is charged through the forest ANPR system, with payment on exit; check the current tariff and leave before the gates close. Cafes and toilets are at the visitor centre in Low Dalby, away from this starting point, so bring water and anything needed for the walk. Dogs are welcome under control; take litter and dog waste away. Check Forestry England notices and obey any signed restrictions before setting out.
Route information: Forestry England's Dalby Forest walking information and Forestry England Yorkshire's Woodcock Way full-trail map on Komoot (https://www.komoot.com/tour/1369131238), checked 4 October 2026.
Use the route details to plan your walk
If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.
The interactive map will load when you reach this section.
Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.
For walkers
Watch: portrait video or landscape video.
Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.
Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.
No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.
Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: Walks in North Yorkshire
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
Necessary storage keeps Walkmates working. With your permission, Google Analytics, Mixpanel and Simple Analytics help us understand how the site is used. Optional analytics stay off until you choose.