If ever there was a magical woodland walk, this is it. Take the trail through the trees on a 2-mile circular route that passes an idyllic woodland tea garden and the 30-foot Falling Foss waterfall, before returning alongside babbling May Beck. It’s a lovely shady walk for summer – with shallow waters to paddle in, and a bridge to play pooh-sticks from – and spectacular in autumn when the woodland colours are at their best. If you don’t intend to venture far from the tea garden and waterfall, you can use an alternative car park near Falling Foss instead.
It is possible with a pram, but carrier best if you have one as sometimes a bit boggy under foot.
Visit the North York Moors National Park Website here
Easy directions:
- From the May Beck carpark, turn away from the road that you came in on and head up the gravel path. Take the immediate first right turn- along the track that’s just above the car park. You’ll soon see some steps on your left. Take them and follow a narrow path uphill through the bracken.
- The path soon goes through a gate, turn right (do not go over the style to your left). Stay on this path all the way to Falling Foss!
- When you eventually meet the road, follow it downhill to the Falling Foss Tea Garden at Midge Hall.
- Falling Foss and the Tea Garden is the perfect place to stop and play. Great for a paddle. There is a good viewpoint for the waterfall just past the tea garden or you can take an unofficial path down to the waterfall. It is off the main path to the right as you face the tea rooms, it is a big scramble and very steep but we enjoy the adventure and lots of people make it down.
- The Tea Garden itself is at Midge Hall, a tiny cottage with gardens overlooking Falling Foss. The gardens are fantastic for small children, with wooden sculptures and a small play area to explore.
- Coming out of the tea rooms, head over the bridge and you’ll see a wooden decked path along the side of the beck. Follow this all the way back to the start of the walk. There are some lovely places for more paddling and exploration (including a cave if you keep your eyes peeled!)
