The North York Moors National Park is home to the nation's favourite National Trail, the Cleveland Way. Experience fantastic National Park scenery on this classic 9-day walk, all the way from the market town of Helmsley, on the edge of the North York Moors, to the coast at Filey. The 109 mile (176km) route meanders through dramatic coastline and heather moorland, whilst offering amazing views of castles, ruined abbeys, ancient stone crosses and fishing villages tucked into tiny coves, it really does have it all!
Up to 2,000 hikers complete the whole route each year – enjoying the joy of long distance walking, the chance to switch off and escape the stresses of everyday life, with proven benefits to your mental health.
But there are another 350,000 annual visits to the Trail too, whether that’s a weekend away, a daily dog walk, a charity run or a family stroll. You certainly don’t have to walk the whole thing to experience the best of the Cleveland Way, and there are all sorts of circular day walks, easy access routes, activities and experiences along the way.
Whether you tackle the whole route in nine days or prefer to experience it in bite size sections, the Cleveland Way’s stunning surroundings will guarantee that a day is all it takes to inspire you to take your next step.
The Cleveland Way website contains all the information you need, including a useful accommodation guide. You can also purchase one of several guidebooks to help plan your walk.
Follow the acorn!
Today, there are 17 National Trails in England and Wales, ranging from the 79 miles of the Yorkshire Wolds Way to King Charles III England Coast Path, which will be the longest waymarked coastal walking route in the world when completed. It follows the Cleveland Way trail along our coastline but you can also extend in either direction to Bamburgh in Northumberland or Bridlington south of Scarborough.
All you have to do is follow the acorn – happy walking!