Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk
Transcript of Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk
![Page 1: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Byland
Abbey and
Oldstead
Observatory
– Hard Walk
![Page 2: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
This walk starts at the splendour of Byland Abbey and along the way passes Oldstead Observatory at its highest point on Mount Snever. The walk is challenging due to its steep incline on Mount Snever and will take around 3 hours to complete with time to explore the Abbey and the Observatory.
![Page 3: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Getting There
From Middlesbrough head up the A19 north until you reach the A170 turning which will take you up Sutton Bank. Then look for the right turning to Wass or Byland Abbey and follow the road through the village of Wasspast the abbey and to the car park near the Byland Abbey Inn.
![Page 4: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Route of the Byland Abbey to OldsteadObservatory walk
![Page 5: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
After leaving the car park you can either start the walk or visit Byland Abbey first to explore its ruins and take a few photos.
![Page 6: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
![Page 7: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Now head back up the road you drove on into the village of Wass. In Wass look for a lane to the left which will lead you into Abbey Bank Wood. At the top of the lane look for a gate signed Carn Farm, Observatory.
![Page 8: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
The path climbs and then leaves the wood edge to rise to a terrace. After a stile, take the L-H path, following Carn Farm. The path is a steep incline. Go straight ahead at two junctions, uphill to reach a large open space. Turn right and just before a waymarked metal gate turn left along the wood edge. Follow the path to Oldstead Observatory bearing left through the wood.
![Page 9: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
![Page 10: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
![Page 11: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
The Observatory was built in 1838 for astronomers and the inscription on the plaque
reads:
Here hills and waving groves a scene display
And part admit and part exclude the daySee rich industry smiling on the plainsAnd peace and plenty tell VICTORIA reigns!Happy the MAN who to these shades retiresWhom NATURE charms and whom the muse inspiresWho wandering thoughtful in this silent woodAttends the duties of the wise and goodTo observe a mean, be to himself a friendTo follow NATURE and regard his end.
![Page 12: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Continue your walk by passing to the left of the observatory through the wood. Follow the path which drops
steeply to a signpost.
![Page 13: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Turn right on the track signed "Oldstead". Follow the path as it
curves left to become a metalled lane. Turn left at the T junction and left
onto the road by a seat. Have a well earned pitstop!
![Page 14: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Just before the road narrows sign turn left. Go through
gateposts and over a cattle grid. Then as the avenue of trees ends, take a sharp turn right
uphill at a signposted footpath. Climb up to a stile, bending to the left beside the woodland to
a gate. After the next gate, keep ahead through two gates
and onto a metalled road.
![Page 15: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Turn right, then, just beyond the road sign which indicates a bend, take a
track to the left by the OldsteadGrange sign. Pass the house and go
between barns and through a gateway. Bear right downhill on the track, bending right on a track to a gateway with a waymarked tree.
![Page 16: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Straight after the gateway, turn left through the wood to a Byland Abbey signpost. Follow the path as it bends
left by another sign, cross a stile, then the field with its hedge to the left, bending left then right at the
end to a signpost. Go through an opening beside a metal gate and
along the field with a hedge on your right.
![Page 17: Byland abbey and oldstead observatory – hard walk](https://reader031.fdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022030401/58cf6d371a28abe6688b4997/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Go over two stiles then bear slightly
left to another stile. Go across the field to a signpost in the hedge by a metal gate. Follow the
fence, then go onto the road by a
wooden stile. Turn left back to the car park opposite the
Abbey.