Helmsley
- Osmotherley : Along the easten edge of the moors
The first section of the Cleveland Way provides an easy
woodland walk across the beautiful landscape of the Rye Valley,
passing the ruins of Helmsley Castle and later the medieval
Rievaulx Abbey. These ruins are among the most beautiful
in England and the dense wooded valley of the river Rye provides
a magnificent setting. The walk then raises gently
to the flat limestone plateaux of the Tabular Hills. It
is also worth allowing time to visit the Kilburn White
Horse, just before Sutton Bank.
From Sutton Bank the walk is relatively flat, following
the western edge of the Hambleton Hills, overlooking the
Vale of York. The views from Sutton Bank are breathtaking. From
High Paradise to Black Hambleton the route follows the old
road used by the cattle men (drovers) in earlier centuries. After
Black Hambleton you drop down to the idyllic setting of Oakdale's
reservoirs, en route to Osmotherley.
Osmotherley - Kildale : Across the top of the North
York Moors
This is the most strenuous section of the trail, as the
route follows the northern escarpmant of the moors, broken
by a series of valley's cutting into the uplands between
Huthwaite Green and Clay Bank Top. The
views are stunning over the coastal plain to the North and
across
the
bleak
moorland and deep valleys to the South.
After Clay Bank Top a steep climb leads up
to Round Hill, the highest point on the route, where tremendous
views
can
be enjoyed. The route then descends gradually to Kildale
which is studded with signs of the past - waymarkers, boundary
stones and burial mounds.
Kildale - Saltburn-by-the-Sea: Roseberry
Topping and on to the Sea
The first part of today's walk is dominated by an ascent
of Easby Moor, to Captain Cook's Monument, and then the moorland
'Matterhorn', Roseberry Topping. Although only 1000ft (300m)
high, this distinctive
conical hill is prominent in the landscape. From the top the
views are excellent. Gentler farmland, woodland and a riverside
path lead onto the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea - Robin Hood's
Bay
From here on the route hugs the coastline, through historic
fishing villages, over high cliffs and along windswept beaches.
From Saltburn the route heads up Hunt Cliff and along a
section of dramatic cliffs to the highest point on the east
of England
at Rock Cliff. This route takes you down to sea level
on three occasions and through the pretty villages of Staithes
and Runswick, ending at the fishing village of Sandsend.
Dramatic coast paths lead onto Whitby, with its fine harbour,
fossil filled cliffs and old town connections with Bram Stoker's
Dracula! A visit must be made to the imposing remains
of Whitby Abbey high above the town.
Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay are separated by an
easy cliff top walk.
Robin Hood's Bay - Filey
Between Robin Hood's Bay and Scarborough the route encompasses
ever-changing scenery, with the Flyingdales Moor to the west
and the North Sea to the east. There are three steep
descents and ascents along this path, where the sea interrupts
the cliff top walk.
The arrival into the seaside town of Scarborough will provide you with another type of scenery, with its grand beaches, swish hotels and traditional seaside entertainment!
On leaving Scarborough, notice the vibrant colours from
the South Cliff as you make your way to the final cliff top
trail. The view of continuous coastal cliffs continues
from Cayton Bay until your final destination, Filey. |
