Cleveland Way

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.

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.