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Covering two different types of landscapes, the Cleveland way walk stretches along the coastline from Filey to Saltburn by the Sea and through forest and moorland to Helmsley. On a walking holiday you can complete the whole route or parts depending on the time you have and how much trekking you want to do.
Whilst exploring the Cleveland Way route, you will of course want to find some great places to stay. Camping is a great and cost -effective way to spend your nights on the trail. Also, if you like to fish you are in luck, as there are many places to stop and enjoy some relaxing time at the waters edge waiting for a bite. Here are some of the best places to camp and fish along the Cleveland Way walk.
The Cleveland Way route
You can spend between 8 and 11 days doing the whole route with walking and overnight accommodation, or longer if you want to stay and explore the destinations a little more. So, for example, here is what to expect if you are planning a Cleveland Way Walking holiday.
Begin at Helmsley then on to Kilburn for your first day, then follow the first part of the trek. Between Helmsley and Osmotherley is a walk along the eastern edge of the moors. Expect a woodland setting with sights such as the ruins of Helmsley Castle and the medieval Rievaulx Abbey. There are also some great views from Sutton Bank and Oakdale’s reservoirs.
The next most strenuous part of the trek is the section across the top of the North York Moors. Travel through valley’s cutting into the uplands and small peaks, between Huthwaite Green and Clay Bank Top. There’s a steep climb up to Round Hill which is the highest point on the route. The climb is difficult but worth it for the amazing views.
The next part is a great walk to the Captain Cook’s Monument, and then on to the moorland Roseberry Topping. There are great views from here, then you move on to a gentler woodland then on to the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
You have now reached the coastline proper and the route takes you along high cliffs overlooking expansive beaches and amazing panoramic views. The walk will take you down to sea level three times during this section. You will encounter and walk through the lovely villages of Staithes and Runswick, finishing at the charming fishing village of Sandsend. This section includes the old town which has connections with Bram Stoker’s Dracula at Whitby Abbey.
The last section is covering the distance between Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough. The route covers amazing scenery with the Flying dales Moor to the west and the North Sea to the east. Scarborough is the town where you will find some great scenery, beautiful beaches and traditional seaside entertainment. Then move on to the final cliff top trail until you reach the destination of Filey.
You can walk the route this way or the reverse depending on the tour you book or where you want to go first. It can be a circular route or almost, but there are different stops you can make along the way.
Main places you can explore along the Cleveland Way
Here are some of the main places you can visit and explore during the great tour along the Cleveland Way route. Enjoy some beautiful places whilst on this great trek.
Filey
Originally a fishing village, Filey is today a popular seaside town with a lovely sandy beach and charming promenade. It is a great place to stop and enjoy along your route. Walking and birdwatching are popular activities and if you visit in the spring you may even see seals relaxing on the beach.
Scarborough
Another stop along the Cleveland Way walking route is Scarborough. This seaside town is home to two beaches, a castle and lots of things to do. At South beach you can enjoy amusement arcades, shops, traditional fish and chips and boat and donkey rides. There is also the lovely Peasholm Park and the sea life centre too. So, you can stop and enjoy the town whilst walking the Cleveland Way. You’ll find a fresh water fishing lake and beach fishing at the coast too.
Runswick
This pretty bay is a beautiful place to explore on the Yorkshire coast. With popular things to do being rock pooling, fossil hunting and of course coastal walking. Runswick Bay is a favourite destination for families to visit for peace and quiet and gorgeous natural surroundings.
Whitby
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Another lovely seaside destination, you can enjoy the beach, fishing and exploring the history here. Popular things to do include visiting the steam North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Whitby abbey. It is a great place to enjoy the traditional coastal town experience in Yorkshire.
Helmsley
Found within the North York Moors National Park, as well as exploring the scenic landscapes there are plenty of other things to do in and around Helmsley. Top things to do include the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley Castle, Helmsley Arts Centre and the Walled Gardens. Being at one end of the Cleveland Way, you may want to spend some extra time here before or after your walking trip.
Top sights on the Cleveland Way
As well as enjoying the walk itself and the towns mentioned above, there are a few places that may be worth a look on your journey.
Lake Gormire
You can see the lake from the trail. However, you can take the Sutton Bank Nature trail as a diversion to see a little more of the tranquil waters.
Mount Grace Priory
Historic church ruins in Northallerton, looked after by English Heritage.
The Cliff Lift
The oldest lift of its kind that is still in operation in Saltburn by the sea. Take a ride to the top in one of the two cars climbing the cliff on tracks.
White Horse of Kilburn
Take a look at the white horse on the hill dating back to 1857.
Will you explore further on the Cleveland Way walk?
The walk itself is an amazing adventure and to add to this there are many places to stop and explore camp and fish. Will you walk the whole trail and explore the surrounding area of this beautiful North Yorkshire destination? There are so many great things to see and do, you will want to spend more than the few days it will take to traverse this well loved route.
