Green Howe round barrow

Green Howe round barrow sits on open heather moorland near the village of Chop Gate, inside the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire. It is a single, modest Bronze Age burial mound, protected as a Scheduled Monument since 1967.

What is Green Howe?

Archaeologists classify it as a bowl barrow, a mound shaped like an upturned bowl. People raised these over burials during the Bronze Age, and across Yorkshire many stand on ridges and hilltops where they were meant to be seen. Green Howe lies in Bilsdale Midcable parish, on the northern edge of the Hambleton Hills above Bilsdale. Its coordinates are roughly 54.382 N, 1.172 W.

Historic England added the barrow to the National Heritage List in 1967 and revised the entry in 1997 (list entry 1015762). A second scheduled barrow, entry 1015763, lies about 60 metres to the north-west, so Green Howe is part of a small cluster of prehistoric mounds rather than a lone survivor.

What will you see?

The mound measures about 10 metres across and stands around 1.5 metres high. A shallow hollow in the top marks earlier investigation or digging, and a boundary stone about a metre tall sits on the summit. There are no walls, shelters or ruins to explore. The appeal lies in authenticity: the barrow has survived in the moorland landscape in almost its original form.

The setting adds to the visit. Bilsdale is one of the quieter valleys in the park, and the surrounding moors are known for their purple heather in late summer.

How do you get there, and how accessible is it?

The nearest village is Chop Gate, on the B1257 between Helmsley and Stokesley. Public transport in the dale is sparse, so a car or bike is the practical choice. The barrow itself lies away from the road on open moor, so expect a walk over uneven, often boggy ground. This is a monument in the landscape, not a staffed attraction with ticket desks. Carry an Ordnance Survey map (OL26, North York Moors West) or a GPS app, because it is easy to lose your bearings on the moor, especially in mist.

Protection rules apply: do not dig, use metal detectors or move any stones. Follow the Countryside Code and keep dogs on a lead.

When should you visit?

Late spring to autumn works best. In August and September the heather blooms and the days are long. In winter the weather on the moor can be harsh and visibility poor. Wear waterproof footwear whatever the season.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The barrow stands on open land with no ticket office.

How long does a visit take? Looking at the mound takes a few minutes. With the walk in and a wander around the area, plan one to two hours.

Is there another barrow nearby? Yes. About 60 metres to the north-west is a separately scheduled round barrow, list entry 1015763.

Is it suitable for visitors with limited mobility? Probably not. The approach crosses uneven moorland with no surfaced path.