Best canyons around Newton are characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including deep natural amphitheaters, wooded gorges, and scenic dales. This region offers a variety of geological formations, from the expansive Hole of Horcum to the winding Grain Slack Gorge. Visitors can explore areas with significant natural and historical features, providing varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The terrain includes moors, valleys, and forest parks, showcasing the area's natural beauty.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
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Known for its steep, but relatively short, ascent and descent sections, Cross Dale is part of the Levisham and Newton Dale walk, a popular circular route that offers diverse terrain and stunning views.
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Rhumbard Snout is a scheduled monument, which includes the remains of a prehistoric field system, a medieval artificial rabbit warren known as a pillow mound and post-medieval mining test pits. It is located on the sloping southern tip of the wide, natural terrace which lies between the West Side Brow of Levisham Moor and Newton Dale to the west. See https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1020309?section=official-list-entry
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This walk through Cross Dale might be short, but the views are certainly stunning down (or up) the green slopes. Anyone who has walked the Yorkshire Wolds National Trail in East Yorkshire will probably be reminded of a number of places with similar scenery.
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The Hole of Horcum is a 120m deep, 1.2km wide natural amphitheatre sunk into the valley of Levisham Beck. Legend has it that it was created by a giant grabbing a handful of earth to throw at his wife. It’s actually created by spring sapping - erosion of the bedrock by underground water which then causes collapse. This repeated process causes the hole.
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The road through Troutsdale is glorious. If you are travelling from the north to south there is a fair amount of climbing and some of it steep, but it is worth it.
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The Newton area offers diverse canyons. The most popular is Hole of Horcum Bridleway, a vast natural amphitheater. Other must-see spots include Grain Slack Gorge, known for its striking green appearance, and Rhumbard Snout, which offers grand panoramas and historical significance.
You'll encounter a variety of natural features, from the dramatic 120m deep, 1.2km wide natural amphitheater of Hole of Horcum, to the densely wooded and mossy Grain Slack Gorge. The region also features scenic dales like Cross Dale with its green slopes, and the glorious landscapes of Troutsdale.
Yes, Rhumbard Snout is a scheduled monument that includes the remains of a prehistoric field system, a medieval artificial rabbit warren (known as a pillow mound), and post-medieval mining test pits. It offers both natural beauty and a glimpse into the area's past.
Many of the trails through the canyons around Newton are rated as intermediate. For example, Cross Dale is known for its steep, but relatively short, ascent and descent sections, making for a challenging but rewarding walk. Hole of Horcum Bridleway also presents an intermediate challenge.
The area around Newton offers a range of outdoor activities. You can explore various gravel biking routes, enjoy road cycling, or tackle numerous running trails. These activities allow you to experience the diverse terrain and scenic beauty of the region beyond just the canyons.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. For instance, the running trails guide includes routes like the Levisham Railway Station – Hole of Horcum Bridleway loop, which offers a moderate to difficult hike through the landscape surrounding the canyons.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views and diverse landscapes. The grand panoramas from viewpoints like Rhumbard Snout are highly appreciated. The unique geological formations, such as the natural amphitheater of Hole of Horcum, and the striking green beauty of Grain Slack Gorge, are also popular highlights. The komoot community has shared over 20 photos and given more than 120 upvotes for these spots.
Yes, the area caters to different preferences. While some routes offer longer explorations, you can find shorter, circular walks that allow you to experience the beauty of places like Cross Dale, which is part of a popular circular route offering diverse terrain and stunning views in a relatively short distance.
The Hole of Horcum is a natural amphitheater created by 'spring sapping'. This is a process of erosion where underground water causes the bedrock to collapse, and repeated instances of this process have formed the impressive 120m deep, 1.2km wide feature.
Grain Slack Gorge is located within North Riding Forest Park, Dalby Forest. Visitors note its striking and very green appearance, winding down with trees above and lots of very green moss, making it a beautiful spot for photography and exploration.
Rhumbard Snout is renowned for its grand panoramas. It offers expansive views over the landscape, including the Levisham Cradle and Newton Dale to the west, providing a picturesque setting for observation and photography.
Troutsdale is highly regarded for its glorious road. If you're traveling from north to south, be prepared for a fair amount of climbing, some of which can be steep, but the scenic rewards make the effort worthwhile.


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