North Yorkshire walks

Four years ago Chris Brown, a farmer from Baldersby near Thirsk, realised his boyhood dream of climbing Everest.

As a way of marking the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest this week I joined Chris on a walk on the North York Moors which he uses to train for his expeditions.

It's a circular walk of some 20 miles from Chopgate, north of Helmsley.

Chris says "don't let the length of the walk put you off because it can be broken down into more manageable portions which the family can enjoy.

"There is after all a delightful café at the bottom of Carlton bank. But, if you can, this walk, involving a number of steep climbs, is worth the effort. The views on a clear day are to be marvelled, and few places can better them."

Chris uses this area for training because of the climbs and the exposed moorland. On a wintry day you can experience the same weather as on the walk-in to the base camp of Everest.

Chris Brown

From Chopgate head steadily up towards the Bilsdale TV transmitter before turning on the ridge to Carlton Bank which is still used by gliders. Drop down to the road and to the café.

Once replenished another climb awaits you, in fact three more on this walk which takes in Hasty Bank. This section of the route will have you mingling with walkers either on the Coast-to-Coast or the Lyke Wake Walk.

But don't rush. Chris with his years of mountaineering experience will be the first to encourage walkers to go at a comfortable pace, walking steadily, and you'll soon be catching up those overeager beavers who have exhausted themselves trying to get to the tops first.

Chris is an enthusiastic supporter of the great outdoors and is keen to encourage as many people as possible to get out and enjoy what we have on our doorstep.

And there are few better places than the area around Chopgate, one of Chris's favourites and a reminder to him of his Himalayan adventures.