The Cleveland Way National Trail turns 40 on Sunday 24 May and to celebrate, people are being encouraged to 
pull on their boots and walk their favourite part of the 110 mile route. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 which gave the green light to National Trails, as well as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The second National Trail in England and Wales to be designated, the Cleveland Way forms a horseshoe around the North York Moors National Park starting in Helmsley and finishing in Filey. Passing through picturesque villages, across miles of beautiful heather moorland and along the rugged coastline, the trail is popular with walkers with around 2,300 people walking the full length each year.
Local ramblers groups and staff from the North York Moors National Park Authority and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will be walking different stretches during the day on 24 May to make sure every inch is covered. Limited places on some of the walks are available to members of the public:
· Helmsley to Sutton Bank - 10 miles of fairly easy going terrain passing through Rievaulx;
· Osmotherley to Clay Bank - a more challenging route of 11 miles with several climbs and descents;
· Kildale to Saltburn – a 15 mile stretch taking in the iconic Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument;
· Saltburn to Staithes – 9 miles of varied walking along the stunning North Yorkshire & Cleveland Heritage Coast.
To book a place on any of the above walks, people should call 01439 772738.
Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way, said:
“Whether you’re looking to complete the whole 110 miles or just fancy a short afternoon stroll, the Cleveland Way will take you through the very best the North York Moors has to offer. It has changed considerably from the first few years when waymarker signs were few and far between and long distance routes were very much for hardy hikers. Today the trail is managed for everyone to enjoy with a clear path and lots of great places to rest your legs along the way. We’ve also improved accessibility considerably and there is now just one stile on the inland section.”