5 sacred crosses to discover in the North York Moors
The cross is never more important to Christians than at Easter; its symbolism has been central to the faith over the centuries. The North York Moors boasts one of the largest concentrations of standing stones across its vast heather landscape and many are crosses, often sited in beautiful and tranquil locations with magnificent views. These ancient monuments acted as way markers for worshippers traversing the moors as well as places where monks preached to local communities. Why not follow in the footsteps of pilgrims this Easter by seeking out one of the age-old holy crosses from the recommendations below?
Lilla Cross
Lilla Cross
The oldest Christian monument in the North of Enland, dating back to the 10th century, stands on the Bronze Age barrow of Lilla Howe at the junction of two medieval trackways; the Old Salt Road and the Pannierman’s Way. There are superb views north-east towards Robin Hood’s Bay and west across the moors. Skylarks soar and common lizards dart between the heather as you make your way to this holy site, passing a pretty waterfall on the Eller Beck.
Directions: Park at Fen Bog car park. Cross the road at the bridge, go through the gate and follow the track east. Keep the beck on your left and follow the faint footpath with RAF Fylingdales on the right. It can be boggy. Can also be accessed via the Moors and Coast cycle route and longer, easier path from Jugger Howe car park.
Ana Cross
Ana Cross
This round barrow and wayside cross on a prehistoric burial mound mark a medieval route across the moors from Lastingham to Rosedale Priory. It is the tallest cross on the North York Moors at 3.5 metres, replacing the original Norman cross which stood at twice its height, the top of which still survives and is now in the crypt at Lastingham church.
Directions: Park at Rosedale Chimney Bank car park. Cross the road to a footpath sign a few metres up the road. Follow this path to the cross. You could continue to the Bronze Age stone burial mound of Abraham’s Hut Round Cairn a little further along.
Old Ralph Cross
Old Ralph’s Cross
Less well-known than its famous brother, Old Ralph’s Cross stands just a few metres away but is neither visible from the road nor from Young Ralph Cross. It takes a bit of heather bashing to reach but you will be rewarded with panoramic views from the highest point in the North York Moors. Don’t forget to follow tradition by leaving a few coins on top of this 11th century cross.
Directions: Park at Rosedale Head parking area at the head of the dale. Cross the road and Old Ralph is about 300 metres across the moor directly ahead of you.
Fat Betty
Fat Betty
Standing beside an ancient track, the medieval cross, known as Fat Betty has marked the way for travellers for hundreds of years. It is actually a wheel-head perched atop a squat stone rather than a traditional cross. It also served as a Christian wayside preaching cross for pilgrims en route to Rosedale Abbey. Today, people leave snacks on Betty’s shoulders for weary walkers on the Esk Valley Walk.
Directions: Pass the parking for Old Ralph Cross (above) and continue along Knott Road for 450 metres. You can pull in on the left and Fat Betty is visible from here. You could follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and walk a section of the beautiful Esk Valley Walk from here.
Mauley Cross
Mauley Cross
A medieval roadside cross, near Cropton Forest, that lies east of the Roman road. Its use as a wayside religious symbol for the ancient trackway is a reminder of the piety expected of the travellers during that period. It is believed that the cross was named after the de Mauley family of Mulgrave Castle. Not far from here is Wheeldale Roman Road, also worth checking out.
Directions: From Stape, head north on Stape Road for half a mile. At the T-junction turn left then then veer right onto Keys Beck Road before turning right onto Brown Howe Road (a track). The cross is down here on the left.
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