Why Skelton Tower proved a blessing for a rector

IT WAS built almost two centuries ago as a shooting lodge (officially at least) – now the remains of Skelton Tower are an impressive landmark on the North York Moors.

According to the North York Moors National Park Authority, the solitude offered by the spot offered by more than one blessing to the religious man responsible for its construction.

As the organisation’s website explains: “The two-storey tower was built around 1830 as a shooting lodge by a former rector of Levisham, the Reverend Robert Skelton.

“Some say that he wrote his sermons in the lodge but it is also rumoured that he escaped here to enjoy a quiet drink!

“The grassy headland it sits upon is called Corn Hill Point because the pastures around about were ploughed up and used for growing crops during the Napoleonic wars.”

Nowadays, the romantic ruins on the edge of Newtondale are a popular spot with walkers and offer amazing views over the track of the nearby North Yorkshire Moors Railway, as well as Goathland Moor to the north, Pickering to the south, and down Newtondale itself.

It makes a wonderful location both for trainspotters and those going on picnics.

Many visitors to Skelton

Tower make it a stop-off point on a five-mile scenic walk between Levisham Moor and the Hole of Horcum.

The North Yorks Moors National Park Authority website explains: “Be prepared for grand landscapes and big views on this North York Moors classic.

“Starting with the dramatic panorama from Saltergate over the Hole of Horcum, the five-mile scenic walk follows a prominent track over Levisham Moor, past important archaeological remains. There’s a possible diversion to the stunning viewpoint of Skelton Tower, after which the route drops into the rocky ravine of Dundale Griff and returns along the valley to the Hole of Horcum, climbing back out at Saltergate.”

The beauty and tranquillity of Skelton Tower will undoubtedly retain its appeal for generations to come.

■ Technical information: Nikon D4 camera, 14mm f2.8 Nikkor, 40th sec @f7.1, 125 iso