Cleveland Way

This nine day National Trail circles around the edge (often an abrupt and spectacular escarpment) of the North York Moors, then down its rugged eastern seaboard.

Wonderful views varying from wide aspects across the mellow farmland of central Yorkshire to wild moorland to seaside cliffs and bays.

The North York Moors consist of huge areas of heather broken by dales and interspersed with hill farms and woodland, crowned in places by tors and jumbles of rock.

The coastal walks track the crumbling cliff lines, said to be the highest in eastern England, dropping to fishing villages in the valleys.

The area is rich in history, from wonderful ruined Rievaulx Abbey in its deep valley near the start at Helmsley, to ancient drove roads, to old quarries and mines, to castles, to Captain Cooks monument, to Roman signal stations, to immaculate fishing villages, to the whaling centre and synod scene of Whitby.

Stay in places ranging interesting old houses in hardy stone villages to farmhouses to seaside towns. Beware that accommodation can be scarce on some moorland sections, and making bus connections can be helpful. Plan carefully.

The Cleveland Way Relay is an annual race along the path.