All You Need To Know About the Cleveland Way National Trail

Explore quintessential English scenery by foot along the incredible Cleveland Way National Trail. The 110-mile path will take you past heather moorland, soaring oceanside cliffs, and calming forests. This remarkable walking adventure is tailor-made for you if you want to get to know England’s backstory, its scenery, and quaint, tucked-away villages. This article will dive into everything you need to know about the Cleveland Way National Trail!

Cleveland Way National Trail Basics

The Cleveland Way is a National Trail in Cleveland of England, running 110mi from Helmsley and the Brigg at Filey. It was developed in the 1930s after the Teesside Ramblers’ Association dreamed of a long-distance walking route that linked the Hambleton Drove Road, the Cleveland Escarpment, and the Yorkshire coast. In 1969, the trail was officially open and saw its first trekkers. Now, thousands of people take to walking the Cleveland Way National Trail each year, soaking up the incredible landscape of the region from moorland to coastal bliss.

Views on the Cleveland Way, near Osmotherley

Cleveland Way Route Information

The Cleveland Way has two trailheads, one at the lovely market town of Helmsley and one at coastal Filey. The lowest point of the trail is at sea level, and the highest point gains up to 454m in elevation at Urra Moor. The route follows a horseshoe shape and can be walked either way. The first portion of the route covers classic moorland and forests, the middle section traverses North York Moors National Park, and the final section is some of the finest coastal walking in the country. Walking the entire Cleveland Way takes anywhere from a week to 11 days depending on your speed.

Cleveland Way Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels to choose from along the Cleveland Way. Where exactly you rest your head depends on how far you’re going each day, but the official National Trail website clearly lists their recommendations for hotels at each stop on the trail. There are luxurious stays, basic hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, and campsites to choose from depending on what you prefer. Below, we recommend a few great hotels for standard stages of the route.

Views on the Cleveland Way, near Chop Gate

Cleveland Way National Trail Itinerary

While there are nearly endless ways you could explore the Cleveland Way, here is our suggested itinerary for a 10-day walking journey. Of course, it all depends how far you want to go in a day!

Cleveland Way Stage 1: Helmsley to Sutton Bank (16.1 km)

The first day of walking the Cleveland Way begins from Helmsley, departing from the market square and passing Rievaulx Abbey on the way out. There’s a gentle climb up Hambleton Hill, and then you’ll continue through several hamlets to stay at for the night- Sutton Bank is a popular choice.

Recommended Accommodation: High Paradise Farm

Cleveland Way Stage 2: Sutton Bank to Osmotherley (19.3 km)

Cleveland Way trail leads out of Sutton Bank and along the Hambleton Hills, skirting the national park on drive roads. You’ll walk along moorland, passing by grave mounds and historic sites. The high point of the day is Hambleton End at almost 400 mof elevation. The views here are great, which makes it a nice place to catch your breath. Then, it’s downwards to Osmotherley, a cozy market town with nice shops, cafes, and eateries.

Recommended Accommodation: Braemar Bed and Breakfast

Local farmlands, Noth York Moors National Park

Cleveland Way Stage 3: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top (18.5 km)

Day 3 of the Cleveland Way National Trail is often regarded as the most difficult of the entire trip, so prepare those knees for a bit of up and down. You’ll head off over the Cleveland Hills, some of the most scenic walking in North York Moors. You’ll be looking over farmland to the northwest and moorland to the southeast. Your accommodation today is likely going to be off the trail a bit, but lots of the lodges nearby offer free shuttle service.

Recommended Accommodation: Forge House

Cleveland Way Stage 4: Clay Bank Top to Kildale (14.6 km)

Today’s portion of the Cleveland Way Trail might look shorter on paper, but by the end you will have conquered Urra Moor and Round Hill, which is the highest point of the entire journey at 454m. You’ll walk along wide sandy paths worn into the windswept moorland, enjoy your hilltop view (our favourite part of which are the plentiful purple wildflowers), and then descend into Kildale for the night.

Recommended Accommodation: Royal Oak Hotel

Views around Kildale

Cleveland Way Stage 5: Kildale to Saltburn (23.7 km)

It’s time to walk alongside the sea! Today, along the Cleveland Way, you’ll leave moorland behind and start your trek towards the memorial of Captain Cook, through the town of Guisborough, and through the farms of Skelton before meeting the sea air at Saltburn. We recommend indulging on ice cream and fish and chips after the long day’s walk.

Recommended Accommodation: The Victorian Guesthouse

Cleveland Way Stage 6: Saltburn to Staithes (23.7 km)

Walking along the coast is a highlight of walking the Cleveland Way, and today you get to soak up the sea views on your way to Staithes (pronounced “stairs” by locals). You’ll ascend a seaside cliff at Hunt Cliff, then again at Boulby, the highest of its kind on the east coast of England. While you do lose your elevation a few times today, but dinner and dessert in the pristine fishing town of Staithes is worth all the work.

Recommended Accommodation: The Endeavour Restaurant with Rooms

Pennine Way, views near Robin Hood's Bay

Cleveland Way Stage 7: Staithes to Whitby Bay (18.5 km)

If you didn’t get your fill of the coastline yesterday along the Cleveland Way, today will be another beautiful coastal walk. You’ll ascend the cliffs to Runswick Bay and then to Upgang Beach, a sandy 4.8km stretch that you’ll follow until you reach Whitby Bay. This town draws tourists from all over, and claims to have the best fish and chips in the British Isles. You’ll have to taste test for yourself.

Recommended Accommodation: Dillons of Whitby

Cleveland Way Stage 8: Whitby Bay to Robin Hood’s Bay (10.5 km)

Today might seem short in comparison to the rest of your Cleveland Way walking tour, but it’s because the towns you’ll be in deserve your time. Histories of smuggling, fables of religion, and the story of Robin Hood himself are waiting for you at the end of your trip. You’ll pass along the cliffs of Whitestone Point, come across waterfalls, cross picturesque beaches, and then arrive in Robin Hood’s Bay for the evening. Now, to find someone to ask about the history...

Recommended Accommodation: The Old School House

Town of Robin Hood's Bay

Cleveland Way Stage 9: Robin’s Hood Bay to Scarborough (24.1 km)

Stage 9 of the Cleveland Way has you embarking towards Scarborough, a resort area popular with British vacationers. It might come off as a bit kitschy to some, but it’s charming in its own right, and there are plenty of treats around if the walking has worked up your appetite. You’ll ascend and descend over and over across seaside cliffs, accompanied by stellar views the entire way.

Recommended Accommodation: White Gable

Cleveland Way Stage 10: Scarborough to Filey (16.1 km)

The very last stage of the Cleveland Way walk departs Scarborough and takes you along the open land and golf course beside the ocean at Cayton Bay. There is an old castle and a spa here if you’d like to spend some time exploring (or getting pampered!). Then, it’s along more seaside cliffs to milepost 103, which technically ends the journey. However, most people will continue a ways to Filey and end their Cleveland Way route at the North Cliff Country Park of Filey Brigg.

Recommended Accommodation: White Rose Guest House

North York Moors National Park landscape views

After The Cleveland Way National Trail

There isn’t a well-established tradition after completing the Cleveland Way like there is for some other long-distance walks in the UK, but we suggest finding a local pub, grabbing a pint, and revelling in your success! The Chophouse at The Station and The Star are solid choices in Filey. Who knows, maybe you’ll run into some other walkers and start your own tradition.

Rugged seashore near Cloughton

Best Time to do the Cleveland Way Walk

The Cleveland Way walk could be completed any time of year, but to enjoy the best weather possible it’s best to do the walk between May and October. The later days of summer (late August through the beginning of September) are when the heather moorland is most spectacular. Spring and fall might bring cooler weather, more wind, and more rain, but are a good pick for those wanting to avoid summer heat. Pack your clothing and gear accordingly and you’ll be set no matter the month!

Interesting Facts about the Cleveland Way

• There was a film produced about the Cleveland Way by students from Teesside University.
• An art exhibition by Debbie Loane titles 109 Miles detailed the diverse landscape of the Cleveland Way through paintings, drawings, and even miniatures!
• The Cleveland Way recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The beautiful North York Moors

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cleveland Way

How long does it take to walk the Cleveland Way?

Most people walk the Cleveland Way in anywhere from a week to 12 days. 10 days tends to be the most popular time frame, as it allows some time to explore the towns along the way while still keeping a fair pace.

Is the Cleveland Way easy to navigate?

The Cleveland Way is marked with the traditional National Trail acorn symbol on posts along the route, as well as mile-markers. It’s a well-established trail, making it fairly easy to follow.

Where does the Cleveland Way start and end?

The Cleveland Way has two trailheads, Helmsley and Filey. While most people start the route from Helmsley, you can certainly start at Filey as well. Those who like to walk the trail more than once often start the trail from each end at least once to try the route both ways.

How far should you walk in a day?

Most walkers travel anywhere from 9.7 km to 24.1 km in a day depending on that day’s demands and how quickly they want to complete the trail. To keep to a standard 10-day itinerary, the distance per day fluctuates between the 9.7 km and 24.1 km mark.

Can you walk part of the route?

Yes! Many people will walk half of the Cleveland Way route, or customize their distance depending on how much time they have. Saltburn is generally the objective for the halfway trip, but you can choose your endpoint based on your own wants and needs.

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