The Hole of Horcum is a popular walking destination in the North York Moors and it is easy to see why. A huge natural ampitheatre and landscape views galore. The walk starts and ends at Saltergate Car Park and as soon as you get out of the car you get a panoramic view of this natural phenomenon.
Table of Contents
The Route
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- Start Point: Saltergate Car Park, A169, Lockton, Pickering YO18 7NR
- Finish Point: Saltergate Car Park, A169, Lockton, Pickering YO18 7NR
- Distance: 5 Miles
GPX Route Map
Download file for GPSWalk Description
The Mystical Odyssey Around the Hole of Horcum: A 5-Mile Circular Adventure
From the moment you step out of your car at Saltergate Car Park, you’re greeted by a sweeping panorama of the Hole of Horcum—a natural wonder that appears as a gargantuan bowl sculpted into the earth. Measuring a staggering 400 feet deep and approximately three-quarters of a mile across, this spectacle defies imagination.
Locally referred to as the “Devil’s Punchbowl,” legend has it that this enigmatic depression was formed when a giant named Wade hurled a clump of earth during a spat with his wife. While the science behind its formation might be less dramatic—erosion caused by water seeping up the hillside over thousands of years—it doesn’t make the experience any less magical.
This 5-mile loop offers a holistic experience of the Hole of Horcum. Begin your trek by tracing the rim of this natural amphitheater, absorbing its awe-inspiring vastness. A short walk brings you to a gate where the journey continues; push through it and venture into Levisham Moor. Blanketed in heather and offering elevated views over the hole, this wide pathway extends for roughly two miles.
Upon reaching a signpost, make a left as indicated by the sign that reads ‘Hole of Horcum.’ Here, the scenery undergoes a transformation. Rows of trees and a babbling stream become your companions, and keep an eye out for the regal Highland Cattle that roam these parts.
Further down, another signpost marks the confluence of the river and stream. Take another left, and from this point, you’re delving into the heart of this geological masterpiece. The trail meanders through pastoral fields and past the remnants of an old farmstead, a once-bustling community now relegated to grazing cattle and sheep.
Your ascent back up to the summit isn’t a long one, but the climb offers opportunities for reflection and moments to savor the uniqueness of the landscape. Finally, upon reaching the top, you’ll loop back to your starting path. A right turn guides you back to Saltergate Car Park where a refreshment van tempts with treats, or venture into Pickering for more substantial dining and lodging options.
This trek is more than a walk; it’s an exploration of nature’s marvels, a passage through time, and a feast for the senses.
Leave a comment below if you’ve done this walk – or a similar nearby walk – and please feel free to ask questions or offer tips and advice to others taking the same walk in the future.
