Information on walking the Cleveland Way General Overview “Combine moor & Coast, abbeys & smuggler’s villages in an orgy of history & beauty” This is a cracking ‘little’ long distance trail taking in great chunks of moorland and cliff edge walking and to a lesser extent the rivers which carve deeply in to the high moorland plateau. I say ‘little’ but that does not mean that it is either worthy or a big effort, just compared to the Coast to Coast and Pennine Way it is shorter . However it is wonderfully planned and visits nearly all the sites and scenes which typify the North York Moors – it is true that once you have done the Cleveland Way you have done the best of the North York Moors with its Coast. The walk starts in the centre of the attractive market town of Helmsley and after passing through 60 odd miles of wild upland moors and hills drops down to the sea at Saltburn and spends its final 40 miles taking the cliff top path to a finish at Scarborough. It is this contrast which makes the Cleveland Way totally unique – no other long distance path combines moor and coast so successfully.

One of the other pleasures of the Cleveland Way is the ease of securing accommodation – with only a bit of planning and varying the length of each day’s walk it is straight forward to find places to stay and pubs to eat in on the walk. That does not mean they will be available mid August the day before but for a National Trail the availability of accommodation is very good. A Sample Day by Day Itinerary Day 1 Helmsley to Sutton Bank 11.5 miles. An easy and relaxed start to the day so a visit to Rievaulx Abbey can easily be included (and should be). Starting after lunch it is also possible to visit the White Horse at Kilburn (where the limestone has been exposed in the shape of a horse) and ‘hop’ up Hambleton Hill. Overnight will be in one of the villages near Sutton Bank such as Kilburn itself. Day 2. Sutton Bank to Osmotherley 12 miles A high level walk over the escarpment of Sutton Bank all the way to Osmotherley. The views to the west are far reaching and the walking easy on excellent paths and old drove roads. Hambleton End at 1.300 foot is the high point.

Take a sandwich as there is little in the way of stops before dropping in to the busy little village of Osmotherley. Stock up at this point with a long day to come. Day 3. Osmotherley to Great Ayton/Kildale 20.5 miles Day 3 is sometimes split in two but if you are reasonably fit it is best to carry on all the way to Kildale or even Great Ayton. The route is often described as a roller coaster of moorland walking as there are a number of times that the route drops a few hundred feet to a road or a pretty stream. The moors are windswept but the views are continually impressive and the walking usually easy with the worst sections of paths now flagged. Lunch spots can be found, the cafe at Clay Bank being one, but this is a day to let yourself go and soak in the miles. My favourite. Day 4. Great Ayton/Kildale to Saltburn 14.5 miles Whether starting at Kildale or Great Ayton the first stop is Captain Cook’s spectacular obelisk style monument and a few miles further on the most iconic peak in the North York Moors, Roseberry Topping.

Even though the Cleveland Way does not pass over the summit it is worth visiting although take care of the sudden drop. From here the track enters farmland as it skirts Guisborough and the smell of the sea is upon you. Some attractive woodland is passed through before the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn is reached. Day 5 Saltburn to Runswick Bay 13 miles The initial stretch of coastline to Skinningrove is enlived by the crumbling cliffs and old railway which have an inevitability of clashing soon – and there will be only one winner! After Skinningrove the coastal path climbs steadily up Boulby Cliffs, the 2nd one being the highest cliff in England. The pretty fishing village of Staithes is next – a step back in history before another climb leads towards the final destination of the day, the incomparable Runswick Bay. Day 6 Runswick Bay to Robin Hood’s Bay 11.5 miles Cliff top walking from Runswick Bay and Port Mulgrave will eventually be left behind for some traditional beack walking at Sandsend.

Whitby will do for lunch (a place to return on a later visit) and then a short climb brings you back up to the cliffside path with the spectacular backdrop of Whitby Abbey. From here to Robin Hood’s Bay is 6 miles of interesting walking past the lighthouse and old radar stations of the 2nd World War Day 7 Robin Hood’s Bay to Scarborough 14.5 miles Robin Hod’s Bay is a dramatic sweep of sand but the path soon takes to the cliffs again on the steep climb up to the dramatic point at Ravenscar. From here the walking is excellent and the views constantly dramatic with the only serious drop being down to Heyburn Wyke through some pretty woodland. Climbing out of here Scarborough is spotted in the distance but the path rolls up and down before arriving at the bright lights and popular sea front. The end should be here but it is not! Day 8 Scarborough to Filey 10 miles A simple half day will take you down to the twin resort of Filey. The walking is ok but a little disappointing after the spectacular days before but milestone 103 is soon found and the walk officially finishes.

An excellent E Book guide from Sally Jenkins who wlked the Way on one of our holidays Personal Journey I have to be honest and admit that I did not walk the Cleveland Way in one continuous journey but broke it up in to segments, many fitting in to individual walks, sometimes circular in nature. However what I can say is that I walked every step with only the coastal 10 miles from Scarborough to Filey not yet done. The rest of the coastal stretch I did in 2 days and then enjoyed the ‘inland’ sections on a variety of multi day walks. And it was great but harder work than I thought it would be. Forget your thoughts that the North York Moors is just and upland moorland plateau which you walk around in an airy but flat manner. It is not. Only on the stretch between Helmsley and Osmotherley is their any more than a mile of flat walking, the rest is a constant round of up and down which can be brutal. I found this particularly so on the coastal section north of Whitby. Hard work to do this. However to compensate the paths are clear and not overly eroded providing good walking and less hard on the feet than some Long Distance walks I had done before.

Mud may be encountered on the farmlands around Guisborough but overall it is not too bad, both the Dales Way and the Cumbria Way are considerably worse for this. A major reason for this is that the Cleveland Way spends a good deal of its time on the higher land around rather than the lower valleys where conditions are often worse. Mist my border collie came with me and it is certainly a more dog friendly long distance trail than many. There are enough dog friendly places to stay but more importantly the wide open spaces on the moors and the coastal path are brilliant for her to race around and not offend any land owner. The major danger appeared to be losing her off the crumbling cliff edge but the same could be said for myself!. I have tried to fit the walks I did in to the Day by Day itinerary below and it certainly works most of the time but I have also moved off the traditional approach when writing up long distance paths by including some day walks that are well worth doing and will offer a much better and deeper perspective of the area. Day-by-day Day 1.

From Helmsley to Sutton Bank 10.5 miles This is a straightforward and short walk and can easily be left till after lunch (and Helmsley does a nice lunch) but I would recommend a couple of slight detours. The first of these is Rievaulx Abbey which is half a mile off the route and the second is just shy of Sutton Bank and the White Horse . Kilburn itself is a great place to stop for the night so the ‘horse ‘ may start you off on day 2! Day 2. From Sutton Bank to Osmotherley 12 miles Dominated by the far reaching views to the west I was lucky enough to be walking on a good day. The first section of the walk past the White Horse and Sutton Bank itself is described here past the gliding station and the refreshments which can sometimes be found at Sutton Bank. From here the ridge keeps to a good height, passing Hambleton Hill (1309′) before gradually descending in to the ‘walking centre’ of the Moors, Osmotherley.

There is a good choice of places to stay here, including a youth hostel although I am bias, my brother lives here so the bed was good as was the food (and cheap!) Day 3. From Osmotherley to Great Ayton (20/22 miles) I will say first off that many break this in to 2 days but I just loved the long long days of upland moorland and this is a classic. From Osmotherley I soon joined the Lyke Wake Walk/Coast to Coast routes, all of which enjoy the lovely walking on the north west section of Moorland. The views are again good (even Middlesborough looks ok) and the walking excellent; if you do not believe me look at the pictures that are attached here . Clay Bank offers an obvious break and the ‘bikers cafe’ is superb, well worth giving the ham sandwich a miss for the day. Also the walking is hard in the initial section and I certainly felt I deserved it. Kildale is enroute and still in the moors but it is quite straightforward to let gravity pull you down in to the larger Great Ayton Day 4.

From Great Ayton to Saltburn by the Sea (14.5 miles) A completely contrasting day of mainly lowland walking which I find a relief after the higher moors of the day before. Start though with a visit to 2 iconic land marks of the North York Moors, Captain Cook’s Monument and Roseberry Topping , Roseberry Topping is just skirted by the official route but is a great little summit, totally out of character with other higher points so far passed. From here there is, for me anyway, a rather uninteresting section around Guisborough with some farmland leading in to a wooded glade and the final miles to Saltburn. However the sea air and segulls certainly changes the whole flavour of the walk. Saltburn by the Sea has some character and has retained some of its charm that made it such a popular holiday spot for the Victorians. Not many are better and some are considerably worse! The next section is along the coast and because I like staying in the smaller places (rather than Whitby and Scarborough) some of the mileages are a little odd.

It is perfectly possible to break the walk in to 4 days (2 getting you to Whitby and 2 from Whitby) but I prefer 3 with a break at Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay. It all becomes very personal at this stage. Day 5. From Saltburn to Runswick Bay (14 miles) Ample time to enjoy my favourite part of the coast but there is a good deal of climbing to be done including over Boulby Cliff, the highest in England. From Saltburn to Sinningrove the cliff is crumbling and the old railway about to be lost so take care but after Sinningrove the views are spectacular and dramatic, coastal walking at its best. Before you know it drop in to the old fishing village of Staithes for an explore and a lunch stop on the harbour walls. I have returned to Staithes a number of times and it really is an historical masterpiece but the Cleveland Way walker has not too much time to tarry and must carry on! Another 5 miles brought me to Runswick Bay , a beautiful spot on a wide sweeping bay. A place to sit and ponder and enjoy the tranquility of the coast and ruminate on smugglers past.

To me the best day of the walk but there are a lot of ups and downs. Day 6. From Runswick Bay to Robin Hood’s Bay (13 miles) Another busy day that defies the reasonable mileage. Lunch at Whitby does draw you on over the first section of coast but do not rush it. The cliffside is an orgy of fascinating coves, rocks and moonscape and was unlike anything I had come across before until I dropped downto the more traditional sea side resort at Sandsend. Whitby is a great place to explore with its harbour, abbey and winding cobbled streets but just vow to come back and strike on towards Robin Hood’s Bay. The steep pull up to the abbey from Whitby centre is the start of some straightforward walking; the views contrasting with snippets of history to keep the enjoyment levels high (the route passes the Whitby lighthouse and old WW11 air raid radar posts. These are explained, along with other gems by various notice boards enroute, an educational feature that the Park itself should be proud of and keen to maintain.

Robin Hood’s Bay offers a fine place to stay the night although it is possible to travel the extra mile (as they say, and this may be 2) to Ravenscar on its position perched high on the cliffs. Day 7. From Robin Hood’s Bay to Scarborough (15 miles) For me the section to the south east of Ravenscar lacks the dramatic appeal of that further north but that is not everyone’s view, maybe it is just that after a couple of days of excellent coastal scenery the variety is just not there. However the walking is good and certainly the pub at Heyburn Wyke fascinating but the imminent arrival of Scarborough for the night is less so. The coastal scenery though will keep you going (it certainly did me) but eventually the cliffs drop away and the bright lights of Scarborough beckon. Day 8. From Scarborough to Filey (10 miles) I am not quite sure why the walk does not finish in Scarborough but as I have not yet walked the final 10 miles to Filey my opinion is fairly worthless. When I do I will let you know.

Cleveland Way - walking holidays and hiking tours in England Cleveland Way A self-guided walking holiday around the North York Moors National Park and the Cleveland Heritage Coast. click on the map to enlarge The Cleveland Way is a horseshoe-shaped route around the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Beginning in the old market town of Helmsley, the trail follows the western escarpment of the North York Moors to meet the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and then takes in the whole of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast to finish at the Victorian seaside town of Filey. The first half of the Cleveland Way through the North York Moors from Helmsley to Saltburn-by-the-Sea passes through woodland, lush green dales and spectacular heather moorland. Around every corner lies something of interest; a ruined castle, an ancient abbey, the White Horse of Kilburn, an old drove ‘road', a priory, ancient stone markers and crosses, rocky escarpments with far-reaching views, traces of alum, jet and ironstone mining, prehistoric burial mounds, or a grouse flying across the path.

The second half of the Cleveland Way from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey, follows a rugged coast of high cliffs, wide sandy bays and wooded ‘wykes'. Picturesque fishing villages with steep, winding streets and tightly packed cottages; the old whaling port of Whitby, with its imposing abbey, Captain Cook Museum and St Mary's Church whose interior was altered in 1612 to resemble the lower deck of a wooden sailing ship, add to the charm of this delightful walk. Holiday Options 7 to 10 walking days from £575 per person Click here for more images of this holiday Holiday Highlights Visiting locations rich in history and heritage, from Rievaulx Abbey, Scarborough Castle and Mount Grace Priory to the inspiration for Dracula in Whitby. Spotting the variety of wildlife, from grouse in the heather moors to the sea birds along the coastline. Being rewarded by dramatic coastal views as you reach the North Yorkshire coastline on the approach to Filey. Testimonials "I enjoyed this walk tremendously, especially since the weather for the entire trip (minus about an hour on the day I walked to Robin Hood's Bay) was spectacular.

The countryside was quite beautiful and I really enjoyed my days walking along the coast." - Dr Jennings. USA "Good views, contrasting scenery of moor and coast and largely unpopulated in many areas. Busy around Roseberry Topping and on outskirts of seaside towns as to be expected. " - Ms Morris. UK A walk from Helmsley to Filey around the North York Moors and the Heritage Coast. Total Distance £35 per person / per night You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops: Extra night (Standard) £65 per person / per night All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. The price that you pay includes: accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour. maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. Don’t have the time for the complete walk? We also offer The Cleveland Way in two sections, each of which is an excellent walk in its own right, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

Heritage Coast Section , from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey Cleveland Way - North York Moors Section Helmsley to Saltburn-by-the-Sea along the western escarpment of the North York Moors. click on the map to enlarge Total Distance Availability 8th April to 14th October The North York Moors Section of the Cleveland Way begins in Helmsley and takes in the largest expanse of heather moorland in the United Kingdom on its route to Saltburn-by-the-Sea. From the medieval castle of Helmsley, the trail visits a series of interesting locations, including the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and the White Horse of Kilburn. The trail then passes high through Sutton Bank on the edge of the Hambleton Hills, where there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. From Sutton Bank, the trail passes to Osmotherley, high above Gormire Lake, on its route to Claybank Top, Ingleby Cross and Kildale, typical northern towns and villages set in stunning surroundings.

The distinctive landmark of Roseberry Topping comes into view on the final stretch to Saltburn-by-the-Sea where, after a short descent, the North Sea offers its greeting as you complete your walk. Holiday Highlights Spotting gliders from Sutton Bank, with outstanding views over the Vale of York. Reaching the North York Moors’ highest point on Urra Moor with far reaching views across the Cleveland Way. Arriving in the Victorian seaside resort of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and strolling along its pier, the most northerly surviving British pier. click on a photo to enlarge £35 per person / per night You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops: Extra night (Standard) £60 per person / per night All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. The price that you pay includes: accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour. maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. Cleveland Way - Heritage Coast Section Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey along the Heritage Coast of North Yorkshire and Cleveland.

click on the map to enlarge Total Distance Availability 8th April to 14th October The Heritage Coast Section of the Cleveland Way begins in the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and follows the rugged cliffs to Filey. From Saltburn, the trail visits Boulby where a backdrop of wildflowers opens out to far reaching views from the highest cliffs in England. Soon, the trail enters Whitby along a sandy beach and with Whitby Abbey and St Mary's Church dominating the view, the old whaling port offers a fascinating cultural heritage to explore. From here, the trail joins the route of the Coast to Coast in Robin Hood's Bay, before continuing on to the bustling seaside town of Scarborough, where its ancient castle provides wonderful panoramic views over the Yorkshire coastline. From here, a day of wonderful coastal walking leads to Filey, where the rocky peninsular of Filey Brigg marks the end of the Cleveland Way. This section, marked by picturesque fishing villages and with a wealth of maritime and literary history, is a fantastic way to experience the Cleveland Way. Holiday Highlights Admiring the extensive views from Boulby, the highest cliffs in England.

Wandering through the fascinating features of Whitby, including the whalebone arch, 199 steps, Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church. Experiencing the many quaint fishing villages and lively coastal towns along this spectacular piece of Yorkshire coastline. click on a photo to enlarge The Cleveland Way Walking Holiday North Yorkshire Trails England Complete a Real Challenge, Without Things Being Too Challenging! Trip Summary Walkers familiar with Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path will already be well acquainted with a couple of spots along the rolling Cleveland Way such as The Wainstones, Urra Moor and Robin Hood Bay. In fact it shares about 10 miles of routing with the ‘C to C’. Maybe they will be intrigued enough by their flirtation with the trail to don their boots once again and take up the challenge of the 110 mile Cleveland Way route from Helmsley to Filey in its entirety. What stands out is the experience of half a walk over hill and scarp edges and half along the hilly coastline of the Yorkshire seaside. There is much to enjoy for those interested in history, those ‘collecting’ National Trails and for aficionados who wish to enjoy arguably the best Fish ‘n’ Chips in England at Whitby Bay!

This is the second of the ‘National Trails’, dating from 1969 and is rooted in the North York Moors National Park / Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Along its length there are contrasts in walking between field - quilted farmlands, forest patches, dramatic sandstone rock scarps, bleak moorlands and the highly eroded coastline, punctuated by beautiful little fishing villages, clinging to the cliffs. It is an area that has been threatened by the expansion of the Tyne – Tees Conurbation on the one side and by the encroaching North Sea on the other. However apart from busy coastal towns such as Scarborough, it remains a tranquil area, bolstered and protected by the presence of the National Park of which about 80% of the walk occupies. Highlights of the Cleveland Way include, the remains of the Norman Rievaulx Abbey, and 13th century Whitby Abbey (but dating from the 7th century!), the Captain Cook Monument and Robin Hoods Bay with it's cliff-hanging cottages. Most of the route follows well sign-posted footpaths, which generally have good surfaces and are easy to follow.

The exception to this is along the coastal path, which, in some places, is overgrown and uneven underfoot. The amount of daily ascent and descent is moderate, with much of the walk being on level or gently sloping ground. There are a number of steep ascents along the section from Osmotherley to Urra Moor and at some places along the coast, but these are generally of no more than one or two hundred metres at a time. Suitability Not particularly long days but some steep climbs and descents. Generally, however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers. Itinerary Day 1 Arrive Helmsley Make your own way to Helmsley and settle into this attractive old market town. Visit the ruins of the castle keep with echoes of the English Civil War in 1644. There are a couple of nice pubs to visit. Accommodation: This fine country inn is formed of two buildings, which are local landmarks. It is renowned throughout the area for its culinary delights and fine selection of wine and beers.

Meals: Nil Day 2 Helmsley to Kilburn 18 km/11 miles After breakfast depart Helmsley on this easy section across the wooded Rye Valley, then ascend gently up to the Tabular Hills and onto the great viewpoint at Sutton Bank, with views to a Victorian chalk horse carved into the hillside. Enroute you can visit the famous 12th century Rievaulx Abbey. Accommadation: Our hotel is nestled below the “White Horse”, a unique landmark. All rooms ensuite. Meals: B Day 3 Kilburn to Osmotherley 19 km/12 miles Today is more or less level walking along the escarpment of the Hambleton Hills with views over the vale of York. The walk follows the ancient Hambleton Cattle Drovers Road to the old market and mining village of Osmotherley with the remodeled 15th century church with 12th century Scandinavian carvings. Accommodation: Stay in a large old stone guesthouse. A friendly welcome is offered and all spacious rooms are ensuite.

Meals: B Day 4 Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top 18.5 km/11 miles After the warm up of the last couple of days, hopefully you are ready to enjoy what most people would claim to be the hardest day of the route, as you are ascending and descending over a succession of moors to Clay Bank Top. The views in reasonable weather are extensive. The Coast-to-Coast shares this day and it is a roller coaster ride of a walk up and down beside the crags of Cringle Moor and the famous Wainstones before arriving at Clay Bank Top where your accommodation is slightly off the route. Accommodation: Our comfortable licensed guesthouse is in the tiny hamlet of Urra right on the edge of Urra Moor. Good home cooking is available using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible. Meals: B Day 5 Clay Bank Top to Great Ayton 20 km/13 milies Start the day with a steep ascent up onto Urra Moor and the highest point of the journey at Round Hill 454m.

You are now walking on exposed high moorland, following the line of the disused Ironstone railway line and drovers roads, with many ancient features, such as boundary stones, tumuli and cock pits before descending to cross the remote hamlet and railway station at Kildale. Ascend again, passing the Captain Cook memorial. Accommodation: Our hotel has been in the same family since 1978. This 18th century rural hostelry is at the heart of the village. Original features include the beamed ceilings and welcoming log fires, which add to the charm and character of this traditional inn. Meals: B Day 6 Great Ayton to Saltburn 18 km/11 miles The walk continues through forests with a diversion to “Rosberry Topping” an outlying craggy hill. It is a steep climb, but the views on a clear day are outstanding. The trail follows more moorlands and then through the Guisborough woods and steeply down to Slapewath, an area of old mineral workings.

Perhaps fortify yourself with a pint before continuing the last 7 km/ 4.5 miles to Saltburn-by-the-Sea; an old fishing village; come small Victorian seaside resort that was once famed for salt making and smuggling! The whole nature of the walk changes from here as you head off along the coast. Accommodation: Our family run guesthouse is situated only a few hundred yards from the beach. Meals: B Day 7 Saltburn to Runswick Bay 19 km/12 miles Walk along successive dramatic cliffs, past the highest point on the English east coast at “Rock Cliff” near Boulby. Highlight of the walk today is the beautiful little fishing village of Staithes. The fishing boats at the quay are called Cobles and they still set out to undertake this dangerous activity. Captain Cook served his apprenticeship in a shop on the seafront which has long ago, been stolen by the sea! The trail continues onto the red roofed attractive village of Runswick Bay, by the Jurassic shale cliffs, a fossil hunter’s paradise! Accommodation: Large detached stone built family run guesthouse.

Meals: B Day 8 Runswick Bay to Whitby Bay 13.5 km/8.5 miles Quite a short day giving you the chance to have a good look round Whitby Bay. From Runswick, there is another section of cliffs before reaching Sandsend, from where you walk along above the beach to Whitby Bay. This red roofed town grew rich especially between 1750 and 1850 on fishing, whaling, jet mining and shipbuilding. Whitby is also famous for its Abbey ruins and for Count Dracula (there is a Dracula Trail in the town). We would recommend that of all the places on this route, you have a fish meal here! Accommodation: We use various guesthouses in this busy town. Meals: B Day 9 Whitby Bay to Robin Hood’s Bay 10.5 km/6.5 miles The shortest day, giving you the opportunity for a leisurely breakfast and late start. The climb out of Whitby Bay involves 199 steps and takes you up to the old abbey ruins, and to St Mary’s church with its boat deck construction inside.

The trail then follows the coastal cliffs once more, with good bird life, depending on the time of year! You then rejoin the Coast-to-Coast trail for the last few miles into Robin Hood Bay. This little places drops steeply down to the sea and the Bay Hotel is a good place to sit with a beer on the ocean terrace, watching the sea and all those people celebrating that have just completed the Coast to Coast walk. Accommodation: Elegantly refurbished Victorian guesthouse with many original features. Meals: B Day 10 Robin Hood Bay to Scarborough 24 km/15 miles After a couple of easy days, you now have quite a long one to the seaside resort of Scarborough, certainly the largest settlement that you will visit on this tour! The route goes past the planned for but abandoned resort of Ravenscar where the Victorian street layouts can be detected where the grass has receded. At nearly 200 metres high, you will get possibly the most beautiful view of the Yorkshire coast. You then follow the cliffs gradually descending into Scarborough with its two sandy bays, castle remains on a headland and chances for swimming, ice cream etc.

This is said to be the first English seaside resort, having long been associated with spring waters from the 1600s. Accommodation: We use a number of guesthouses in this busy seaside town. Meals: B Day 11 Scarborough to Filey 17 km/10 miles The last stretch of your walks meanders along behind Cayton Sands and then along the cliffs again to the calcareous grit stone promontory at Filey Brigg (also a nature reserve). If it is low tide, you can cross the sands to finish at Filey, otherwise you need to retrace your steps to get round to this pleasant fishing/resort town. Accommodation: Our guesthouse in situated 100 yards from the crescent gardens, which overlook 5 miles of award winning beach which forms Filey Bay. Meals: B GYBO | Long-distance walks Long-distance walks Contact us Long-distance walks Every year, over the course of the spring and summer, we complete a long-distance walk across Yorkshire. But don't worry, we don't do it all in one go! Normally, we split it into a series of day walks, and we do one of them every month.

If you can join us for the whole trek, that's great, otherwise come on as many of the walks as you want to. Because these are usually linear walks, please read the transport arrangements carefully. Sometimes we can get a bus from one end of the walk to the other, other times we have to ferry people backwards and forwards by car. If the walk details say you must let the walk leader know if you are going and how you are travelling, please do this, and also let them know if you change your plans for any reason – don't just turn up and hope it will be OK! We don't want anyone to be stranded at one end of the walk with no way to get back to their car. Distance 70 miles First developed in the 1970s by the Ebor Acorn Rambling Club. It takes its name from Eboracum, the Roman name for York. Distance 109 miles Opened in 1969, this was only the second national trail in the UK, but it still remains one of the most popular. It is a walk of two very different halves!

Starting at Helmsley, the trail follows the western edge of the North York Moors to Sutton Bank, Osmotherley, Roseberry Topping and down to the sea at Saltburn. The scenery then changes, and the trail follows the clifftops along the coast to Runswick Bay, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Scarborough and finishing at Filey. 95 miles The 2014 long distance walk series takes in Yorkshire castles between York and Scarborough. Picture © Chris Downer, please click on the image for the full size version and complete copyright information Distance 79 miles Opened in 1982, this walk is 30 years old this year! We will be covering the route in 7 day stages. Starting on the banks of the Humber at Hessle, this route follows the river banks before turning north through gentle foothills before entering the typical Woldean landscape of steep sided dry valleys, then emerges on the edge of the ridge along the northern side of the Wolds, dropping down to finish at the delightful seaside resort of Filey.

Distance 53 miles The Nidderdale Way is a circular route of 53 miles in upper Nidderdale, based around Pateley Bridge, stretching to Scar House Reservoir in the north-west and Ripley in the south-east, and taking in such geological gems as How Stean Gorge and the unbelievable Brimham Rocks. The route covers a range of terrains, from gentle rolling countryside to riverside paths to wild, exposed moorland. Distance 109 miles Opened in 1969, this was only the second national trail in the UK, but it still remains one of the most popular. It is a walk of two very different halves! Starting at Helmsley, the trail follows the western edge of the North York Moors to Sutton Bank, Osmotherley, Roseberry Topping and down to the sea at Saltburn. The scenery then changes, and the trail follows the clifftops along the coast to Runswick Bay, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Scarborough and finishing at Filey. (Why do all our walks end at Filey?). In 2010, we completed this walk in 9 stages, including two weekends.

Distance 40 miles A relative newcomer, the Chalkland Way was only opened in 1994. It runs a circular route, starting and finishing in Pocklington, and taking in the chalkland hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, passing through pretty villages with unlikely names like Bishop Wilton, Fimber, Thixendale, Wetwang and Huggate. In 2009, we completed this walk in 4 stages. Distance 83 miles The Centenary Way takes walkers from York Minster all the way to the coast at Filey. It starts by meandering across the Vale of York, taking in Sheriff Hutton and Castle Howard to the mid-way point at Malton. From here, the path heads up into the hills, following the Wolds Way in places, to Thixendale and Wintringham and then along the edge of the Wolds, dropping down to end at Filey. In 2008, we completed this walk in 7 stages.

Distance 89 miles The Inn Way (North York Moors) is one of a series of "Inn Way"s; this one takes a circular route across the moors, starting and finishing in Helmsley, and taking in such gems as Hutton le Hole, Levisham, Goathland, Rosedale Abbey, Blakey Ridge and Hawnby. In 2006, we completed this walk in 7 stages. Distance 109 miles Opened in 1969, this was only the second national trail in the UK, but it still remains one of the most popular. It is a walk of two very different halves! Starting at Helmsley, the trail follows the western edge of the North York Moors to Sutton Bank, Osmotherley, Roseberry Topping and down to the sea at Saltburn. The scenery then changes, and the trail follows the clifftops along the coast to Runswick Bay, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Scarborough and finishing at Filey. In 2005, we walked the Cleveland Way in 9 stages.

Distance 79 miles The Wolds Way runs from the Humber Estuary at Hessle over the Yorkshire Wolds back down to sea level at Filey. Passing through Brantingham, Goodmanham, Huggate and Wharram le Street, we completed this 79 mile trail in 6 long stages. Cleveland Way Baggage and Accommodation Services for Walking Holidays Filey Recommended for Extra nights: Most towns are recommended on this route, particularly along the coast. Each trail planner contains details of travel, overnight stops, points of interest, suggested routes, relative distances and the services we can provide. Cleveland Way Trail Planner The Cleveland way was opened in May 1969 as one of the national trails of Britain (it was the second one established after the Pennine Way). It stretches for approx. 106 miles along the edge of the North York Moors and the North Yorkshire Coast, there are a couple of extra deviations that you could take which will put the distance up to about 110 miles. The scenery encompasses farming landscapes and forests, some unchanged for many years, dramatic rolling country with abrupt scarps and sandstone edges some with limestone capping, bleak moorlands, dramatic cliff and beach seaside scenery.

All this is punctuated at intervals with interesting market and fishing towns steeped in history and literary association. The walk must not be underestimated there is a lot of ascent and descent, traverses over high moorland and some steep climbing. Highlights of the Cleveland Way include, the remains of the Norman Rievalaulx Abbey, and Whitby Abbey, the Captain Cook Monument, and Robin Hoods Bay with it's cliff-hanging cottages. Typical Itinerary Stage 1: Helmsley to Sutton Bank (10.2 miles). After your arrival in Helmsley, if you have not overnighted here it is certainly worth a look round and additional information on the walk and the North York Moors National Park can be obtained from the Nat. Park HQ , The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley (T: 0439 70657). Today is fairly easy so you could start at lunchtime from Helmsley's Market Square and include a look at Rievaulx Abbey which is about a half mile detour and you could also walk another detour to visit The White Horse of Kilburn, a limestone horse created by removing turf from down land.

The "Big Peak" of the day is the climb up to Hambleton Hill, about 700 feet of ascent from Nettledale. There are several hamlets where you could stay for your first night at around ten miles at Sutton Bank, Cold Kirby, Hambleton or Kilburn. Stage 2: Sutton Bank to Osmotherley (12 miles). Today is a walk at around and over 1000 feet along the Hambleton Hills from Sutton Bank / Kilburn, If you have stayed the night in Kilburn you will have a steep climb up to regain the height you lost. You travel today along the western edge of the national park itself on drove roads steeped in history. You will pass by many tumulus and over moorland, climbing up to Hambledon End at 1309 feet, the high point of the day. There are great views from the ridge , but little scope for refreshment until you drop down to Osmotherley with its quaint shops, cafes and three old pubs. So remember to take a packed lunch with you! Osmotherley itself is a fine old market town which grew as a green village at a road junction.

There is a Youth hostel and altogether it is a fine place to stop. Stage 3: Osmotherley To Clay Bank Top (11.5 miles). The section today is said to be the most strenuous of the tour, a roller coaster of a walk up and down the Cleveland Hills, including the best walking within the park. You should have some excellent views once again to the agricultural plains to the north west and the moors to the south east. You should bring all your own rations today, as there are few stops en-route. Much of the accommodation is off route and you may want to ask if you can have a lift back to where you can regain the route. Stage 4: Clay Bank Top to Kildale/Great Ayton (9.2 miles). A shortish day today, but you still have to climb up to the summit of Urra Moor and Round hill which at 1489 feet is the high point of this journey. The moors can be pretty windswept and bitter on occasion, but there are wide sandy paths worn into the hillsides between the grousey fields of heather to make good progress on.

These can be boggy in places despite the sand and there have been some counter erosion remedies in place such as flagstones that can be hard on the feet at times. From Tidy Brown Hill you descend into the village of Kildale where you can find accommodation either there or a couple of miles away. Stage 5: Kildale/Great Ayton to Saltburn (14.7 miles). An interesting day's walk as you head down to the coast at Saltburn and the walk begins to take on a different character to the woody scarps and open moors that you have been used to up to now. Firstly the route climbs up Easby Moor to visit Captain Cook's memorial (he was born nearby), gives you the opportunity to detour by about a mile to climb the eroded sand stone stump of Roseberry Topping then skirts around the town of Guisborough and through the farming settlements of Slapewath and Skelton before meandering down with the Skelton Beck to the sandy seaside town of Saltburn -By- The -Sea, and the prospects of a good ice cream and fish and chips.

It is quite a pretty place thoroughly re-organised by the Victorians, but you can still sense the old days of smuggling and crime rackets. If you are only doing half the walk, there are rail connections here to Middlesborough. Stage 6: Saltburn-By-The-Sea to Staithes (8.8 miles). Today is quite an easy walk along the coast to Staithes (Pronounced Stairs locally), there are nevertheless a couple of stiff climbs up to Hunt Cliff and to Micklow Hill and you will be climbing up around 1000 feet! Your second cliff at Boulby, is the highest on the East coast of England. In between the hills you drop down once again to sea level losing all the height you have gained but at least there is the chance of an ice cream stop. Walkers should beware of the cliff edges where the path largely runs: it maybe undercut in places and is prone in the long term to erosion, also beware of the cliff edge in strong winds.

There is a lot of accommodation enroute today and some folk might prefer to walk on to Ravenscar to stay the night, but we do recommend that you spend a substantial amount of time (if not overnight) in the beautiful and largely untouched fishing village of Staithes, and discover the old coastal Yorkshire with its fleet of fishing Cobles (flat hulled, sharp prowed fishing boats, said to have come from viking design) in the harbour. Stage 7: Staithes to Whitby Bay (11.5 miles). A second fine day of coastal walking along the cliff tops over to Runswick Bay and then Sandsend, past more historical mineral workings, until you reach the long sandy Upgang beach which stretches over 3 miles to Whitby Sands and probably the most special town along the route: Whitby Bay. Once again this is a popular tourist destination and boasts having the best fish and chips in the British Isles and who is going to argue with them, they used to catch whales as well! The town has some fine buildings and there is a variety of accommodations including a Youth Hostel up by the Abbey, itself having been a scene from dracula.

Stage 8: Whitby Bay To Robin Hood's Bay (6.5 miles). A shorter day is recommended here today because there is so much to see and enjoy in these two famous towns. They are both steeped in history, not just the fishing and the smuggling, but in Whitby you have a religious background and at R.H.B. you have a slightly obscure historical legend concerning a particular man who the town is named after! In between the towns there is walking over the brooding hill cliffs of Whitestone point, with some rock wave cut platforms, little beaches and even some small waterfalls approaching RHB. For the last part of the walk you may meet up with some coast to coast walkers, and can compare the two walks. The towns are very busy during the holiday season, but there is quite a bit of accommodation about. Stage 9: Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough (15 miles). To make up for the shortish last couple of days today is real hike into the major Yorkshire resort and fleshpot of Scarborough. You may feel a little different to others there walking along the promenade with your boots and rucksacks on!

Like it or not all the fun -fair and ice cream kitsch is an important part of British holiday life and has been exported all over the World in various guises. The walking involves a coastal roller coaster of sea cliff path hills, staying very close to the edge for much of the time. Altogether there is about 1300 feet of total ascent over the 15 miles. There are limited refreshments enroute, and some interesting coastal feature names, such as Dab Dumps, Boggle Hole, Beast Cliff and Sailor's Grave. Today's is a brooding, lonely, lovely walk. Stage 10: Scarborough To Filey (10 miles). Final stage with only a total of 500 odd feet of ascent to go, a warming down walk if you will! Out of the bustle of Scarborough the way takes you out along the esplanade and the golf course to Cayton Bay. You should have time to visit the old castle and the Spa complex. The walk then hugs the cliff quite closely before reaching its official end at a style at milepost 103. Most people carry onto Filey and end at the North Cliff Country Park, Filey Brigg . . . . .

Congratulations! General Information Arriving and departing by train Helmsley at the start of the route has no railway station, there is Malton 16 miles away which is the most convenient because it links with a reasonable bus service to Helmsley. There is also Thirsk Railway station 17 miles away and a limited bus service. At the end of the tour you can leave from either Filey Railway station or from Scarborough which has good connections via York. For details of timings and connections, please contact National Rail Enquiries on Tel: 08457 48 49 50 (24 hour service, local rate call) Or you can try to phone Malton Station directly on 01653 642155. Arriving by Bus Bus services run to Helmsley from Malton via Pickering, Middlesborough, Thirsk and York (Limited Days only). There are also services back from Filey to Scarborough. For timetables relevant for when you travel you can contact the East Yorkshire Travel Office Tel: Scarborough 01723 375463.

United Autos, Tel: Darlington 01325 468771, York City Buses Tel: York 01904 624161. Arriving by car Helmsley is close to York on the A170 and is well sign posted from York's Large ring road. At Helmsley there is a car park on the north side of the town at the start of the Cleveland Way and a weekly parking ticket is available from Helmsley Tourist Information Centre in the market place. You will be able to return to your car in Helmsley using the bus from Filey via Scarborough. If you are leaving the car for more than a week, then contact Helmsley Police Station on 01439 70310 if you cannot get through then please contact the larger Malton constabulary on 01653 692424. They will need your vehicle's particular details, so that they are aware of it. Most convenient international airport A) Leeds - Bradford B ) Teeside - Newcastle, then rail connections to York and onwards.

But if you are coming up from a London airport, an Intercity Train to York is pretty efficient and from there you can take a bus to Helmsley. From The Cleveland Way Project, North York Moors National Park, The Old Vicarage, Helmsley, Yorkshire, YO6 5BP, You can obtain the free booklets useful for the walk 1) Moors Connections: Provides up to date timetables for all bus and rail services operating in The North York Moors National Park and marks stops suitable for joining the Cleveland Way. 2) Cleveland Way Accommodation and Information Guide. If you are searching for your own accommodation instead of using this booking service , then this booklet lists accommodation, banks, shops and refreshment stops along the route. For the latest UK train information call 08457 48 49 50, or visit For UK local bus timetable and information visit Long Distance Footpaths in Britain - North England Long Distance Footpaths in Britain Looking into Rosedale in the North York Moors, on route on the Coast to Coast.

footpaths Cleveland Way - 175 km (109 m) An ancient trackway with a wealth of historic remains, the Cleveland Way combines a strenuous, high level moorland path with an easier coastal section. The path lies almost entirely within the North York Moors National Park. Some of the highlights of this walk are the remains of the Norman Rievaulx Abbey, and those of Whitby Abbey just outside this seaside resort, and the small, cliff-hanging, picturesque village of Robin Hood's Bay. The Cleveland Way one of the National Trails, the guide is written by I. Simpson and published by the Countryside Commission and Aurum Press. In the guide incorporated is an Ordanance Survey route map. More information can be found on the following pages: Cleveland Way Accommodation & Services Guide - Simon Pitts. Coast to Coast Walk - 304 km (190 m) This route crosses northern England from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast. Passing through three National Parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

The route will take you through splendid mountainous terrain, wide open moorland, remote historical mining areas, and gentle pastures, and along high cliff paths ... a classic walk! The handwritten guidebook by the creator of the path, A. Wainwright, is essential. More information can be found on the following pages: Coast to Coast Walk - Dim, a beautiful photo diary ( ). Coast to Coast Walk - on the Walking in Britain site by v-g. Coast to Coast Walk - photo page by DeadOps. Or was it a pub crawl? ;) Coast to Coast Accommodation & Services Guide - Simon Pitts. Cumbria Way - 112 km (70 m) The mountain and lakes of the Lake District provide the impressive scenery of this walk, starting at the market town of Ulverston, south of the Lake District, and finishing at Carlisle near the Scottisch border. More information on the Cumbria Way can be found on the following pages: ).

Dales Way - 130 km (81 m) The path runs from both Leeds and Bradford in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windemere in the Lake District, following the rives Wharfe, Dee, Lune and Kent. It crosses the Pennine Way and passes by historic Bolton Abbey. More information on the Dales Way can be found on the following page: Dales Way - on the Walking in Britain site by v-g. Dales Way Accomodation & Service Guide - Simon Pitts. Hadrian's Wall - 117 km (73 m) The Hadrian Wall, named after and built by the Roman emperor Hadrianus (AD 76-138) to protect the northern border of the Roman Empire from North British tribes, extends 73 m from Wallsend, near Newcastle upon Tyne, to Bowness on the Solway Firth. Only about 10 m of the original wall are still standing, although earthworks make it possible to trace the route for many miles. A good description of a walk along the Wall is given by Mark Richards in Hadrian's Wall. Vol 1 The Wall Walk, published by Cicerone Press.

A second booklet by the same author Hadrian's Wall. Vol 2 Wall country walks describes thirty walks in the vicinity of the Wall. Another useful guide is the 1:25.000 OS historical map & guide Hadrian's Wall. More information about the wall or wall walks can be found on the following page: Hadrian's Wall - has its own website, World Heritage Site Ribble Way - 115 km (72 m) The Ribble Way takes you through the wide flood planes of the Ribble Estuary near Preston, through gentle river pastures from Ribchester to Salway, and the splendid gorge west of Gisburn. The way ends up in the Pennines of North Yorkshire near the source of the river. Wolds Way - 133 km (83 m) This pleasant, low-level route passes through mainly agricultural land and crosses some of the prettiest of the dry dales of East Yorkshire. It begins near Hull and follows a route through the chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds to meet the Cleveland Way at Filey. The Wolds Way is one of the National Trails, the guide is written by R.

Ratcliff and published by the Countryside Commission and Aurum Press. In the guide incorporated is an Ordanance Survey route map (1:25,000). More information can be found on the following page: Filey Bay Beach - Blue Chip Holidays Filey Bay Beach Filey Bay Beach Things To Do Picture yourself standing on the perfect sandy beach and it won’t look much different than Filey Beach. This is the stretch of Yorkshire coastline where you’ll find golden sand heading as far as the eye can see and the kind of unspoilt beauty that makes it easy to lie back, close your eyes and just enjoy being on the beach. This long expanse of sand rolls on for five gorgeous miles, and the historic promenade that runs behind it only adds to its charm. The nice thing about a beach that rolls on for mile after sandy mile (other than being able to shake out your towel without showering the family closest to you) is that it means plenty of room for activities as well as relaxation. Filey Beach comes with all the trimmings of a bustling seaside resort, including deckchairs available for hire, nearby shops and access for the disabled. There's also a lost child service.

A visit to Filey Beach on a warm summer’s day will probably mean you’ll see sailing classes taking place, and the pony rides available throughout the summer mean children can live the dream and enjoy a trot along the shore during their visit. For rock pooling, wander to nearby Filey Brigg which is also the starting point of the Cleveland Way Walk. For a walk close to Filey Beach, pick up its unique Sculpture Trail. At a Glance

Question: Which North Yorkshire seaside resort is the starting point for the Cleveland Way long-distance walk?
Answer: Filey