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The village of Levisham is situated at the edge of a breezy plateau. From here, the road plunges down into a narrow valley and crosses Levisham Beck which once powered the village cornmill. A remarkably wide green extends on both sides of the village street. The narrow road, north-east out of the village, eventually reveals the dramatic scenery of Newton Dale and reaches Levisham station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The wonderful steam railway which has been preserved and run by enthusiasts since 1973 passes along the valley below the village. There is probably no better way of enjoying this part of the National Park than through the train windows as it winds its way through the spectacular scenery of Newtondale Gorge to
Grosmont.
Levisham Estate
Levisham estate is a wonderful place at the very heart of the National Park and as it’s owned by the Park Authority you are free to roam across it on foot. It was purchased in 1976 as it was in danger of becoming intensively farmed and now it is not only a stunning landscape but a superb area of moorland and woodland which everyone can enjoy. Today the Estate covers some 1359 hectares. 80% of it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the majority is a Special Protection Area for merlin and golden plover. The National Park Authority manages it to benefit wildlife and to provide opportunities for recreation.
The Hole of Horcum
Probably the most photographed location in the National Park, the Hole of Horum was formed by rainwater seeping down through porous rock. When the water reaches an impenetrable layer of clay, the water is forced to the surface. The springs have caused numerous small landslides which have progressively widened the Hole.
Newtondale Gorge
This stunning gorge was formed around 10,000 years ago when a meltwater lake to the north overflowed along the line of a pre-existing valley, which was then deepened and widened to its present size in a matter of decades.
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