Kate W
11 March 2020
Conquer this 11.5-mile section of Yorkshire’s renowned Cleveland Way and take in outstanding views of tranquil countryside, the scenic Gormire Lake and dramatic moorland.
The second section of Yorkshire’s beautiful Cleveland Way begins at the incredible Sutton Bank, a fantastic high point with views stretching across the North York Moors, and ends in the quaint country town of Osmotherly. If you want to start your walk at the beginning of the Cleveland Way, take a look at this route from Helmsley to Sutton Bank.
It can take around 4 hours to complete this 11.5-mile trail, although you may wish to bring a picnic along and stop for lunch at one of the beauty spots along the route.
If you are searching for a place to lay your head while you explore this impressive winding trail, take a look through our North York Moors holiday cottages and find your ideal walkers’ retreat.
Section 1 – Lake Gormire
Beginning this walk at the Sutton Bank National Park Visitor Centre where you can park up the car, grab a bite to eat in the café and climb to the top of Sutton Bank hill. You could quite easily while away a day at this exciting family-friendly and dog-friendly attraction.
If you can drag yourself away from this natural attraction, head towards Sutton Brow and as you walk, you’ll see Gormire Lake below you – this extraordinary body of water is the only natural lake in the North York Moors having been formed after a landslide blocked the river’s path at the end of the Ice Age.
You’ll also pass by White Mare Crag (the majestic Whitestone Cliffs) and the mountain and hillfort of Boltby Scar, before crossing a minor road at Sneck Yate into a forestry plantation. This takes you past Low Paradise Farm from which you join a road that leads you up through High Paradise Farm – a bit of a climb! – eventually reaching Hambleton Drove Road.
Before you join Hambleton Drove Road, you could enjoy a coffee and cake break at High Paradise Farm where they have tearooms overflowing with tasty treats to refuel hungry walkers!
Section 2 – Hambleton Drove Road
When you leave High Paradise Farm, head across Kepwick Moor and turn left at White Gill Head onto the road named Hambleton Street / Cleveland Way.
This ancient road was once part of a prehistoric trail that connected Scotland all the way down to the south of England and the Cleveland Way follows this route for several miles.
You are on Black Hambleton now and on the descent. Square Corner is the place where treacherous ‘steps’ lead down to Oakdale. There are plenty of lichen-covered stones down this steep route so be careful as you make your way down this gorge.
Oakdale Upper boasts a scenic reservoir, Black Hambleton towers in the distance and the scenery is made up of heather-clad moorland – keep your eyes and ears peeled for wild animals and birds that make this tranquil setting their home.
From the reservoir, the last stretch of this scenic walk is around 3.5 miles through farmland, a lovely wooded area and across a footbridge over Cod Beck reservoir, finally approaching Osmotherly where chip shops, quaint cafes and cosy pubs await.
Stay with us in the North York Moors
Treat yourself to a stay in this charming holiday escape with honey-coloured stone walls and an open-plan indoor space. There’s underfloor heating and a wood burner for cosy evenings, perfect after a day spent walking in the cool Yorkshire air! There are wonderful interior features including the beams and vaulted ceiling and outside a sheltered patio with BBQ offers up a tranquil spot to unwind over dinner and drinks, while taking in views of this national park.
Another charming open-plan holiday cottage, complete with wood burner and heated flagstone floors, ensures the whole family can enjoy cosy evenings together in this beautiful part of the world. Venture out along local trails for shorter walks, ideal if you have brought your canine companions along on holiday and when you return, dine on BBQs in the tranquil patio garden.
Situated in the heart of this scenic village, Isla Cottage is just the place for a relaxing getaway to the North York Moors. Walk to the local pub for a taste of village life while you dine and enjoy exploring the pretty local trails and footpaths that crisscross this area. It’s a stylish property with an enclosed rear garden (perfect for pups and children!) and plenty of original features too that provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Keep an eye out for wildlife and take in incredible views on your walk along the Cleveland Way from Sutton Bank to Osmotherly.
Start browsing our collection of Osmotherly holiday cottages and find the perfect walkers’ retreat where you can unwind after trekking your way along this stunning walking route.
Osmotherly cottages
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.