The Cleveland Way Full Walking Route

Beginning in Helmsley, the breathtaking trail takes you through the North York Moors National Park, across the Hambleton Hills ridge, and along the scenic North Yorkshire coast. As you traverse the heather moorland, you’ll pass Osmotherley, Cod Beck Reservoir, Lord Stones Country Park and the Wainstones. Your journey continues through the Tees Valley to Saltburn and then on to Whitby, Robin’s Hood Bay, and Scarborough. This route is coincident with the Lyke Wake Walk for a section around Osmotherley, and is an excellent challenge for avid hikers. Those looking for shorter, circular walks can explore the Great Ayton Circular Walk, Sandsend Circular Walk, Sutton Bank, Kilburn White Horse Walk, Osmotherley Circular Walk, and Wainstones Walk. 

Helmsley to Sutton Bank – 10 miles (16 Km) 

This section is a good introduction to the Cleveland Way. The walking is not too strenuous as it climbs out of the Rye Valley to reach the Hambleton Hills escarpment at Sutton Bank. 

Sutton Bank to Osmotherley – 11.5 miles (18.5 Km) 

This section of the Cleveland Way takes you along the limestone Hambleton Hills of the North York Moors National Park. You will be following in part an ancient route followed by drovers and travellers for centuries. 

Osmotherley to Clay Bank – 11 miles (18 Km) 

This length of the Cleveland Way takes in the magnificent Cleveland Hills. The northern escarpment of the North York Moors National Park offers outstanding views both north across to Teesside and south and east into the moors and dales of the Park. 

Clay Bank to Kildale – 9.3 miles (15 Km) 

This section continues the upland moorland theme – with a chance to visit the highest point on the North York Moors. Signs of old industry are never far away as part of the route joins the old railway line near Blowarth Crossing.  

Kildale to Saltburn – 14.75 miles (24 Km) 

On this section of the Cleveland Way you enter Captain Cook Country and will come across several reminders of the famous explorer who grew up in Great Ayton. 

Saltburn to Sandsend – 17.5 miles (28 Km) 

This section is a great introduction to the North Yorkshire coastline. You will soon understand why most of it falls within the designations of both National Park and Heritage Coast. 

Sandsend to Robin Hood’s Bay – 10 miles (16.3 Km) 

This section covers some outstanding coastal scenery as well as visiting popular seaside resorts such as Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay. 

Robin Hoods Bay to Scarborough – 12 miles (19.3 Km) 

This classic stretch of the trail heads up towards the distinctive heights of Ravenscar, so affording outstanding views across the landscape and sea.  You will encounter the hidden delights of Hayburn Wyke and its beach, before the historic seaside town of Scarborough comes into view. 

Scarborough to Filey – 10.5 miles (16.7 Km) 

This final length has some stunning cliff and coastal scenery to appreciate as you saunter through to the lovely old Victorian resort of Filey. 

For more information see here https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/cleveland-way/route/

Featured image courtesy of Mike Kipling