Important: All National Trail users need to ensure they are following the latest Government rules and guidance. The relevant links are provided below.
There is guidance in England on staying safe and protecting others in green spaces.
Exercise is important for health and wellbeing, but please follow guidance to stay safe and protect others.
Read the full up-to-date rules effective in England here. Those relevant to visiting green space include you:
You should read the full advice and regulations for England here before exercising outdoors.
Relevant advice when using National Trails in England:
Remember – ‘Hands. Face. Space’
Find useful facts and learn more about the Cleveland Way below.. Select the blue tabs below for more details.
The Cleveland Way National Trail is a 109 mile (175 km) walking route through beautiful and ever-changing landscapes and scenery. Officially opened on 24th May 1969, it was the second recognised National Trail in England and Wales.
Starting from the attractive market town of Helmsley, the Cleveland Way heads across the inspirational, and breathtaking heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park, before reaching the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. From here it’s a visual feast along the North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and lively coastal towns.
The National Trail runs through the famous smuggler’s village of Robin Hood’s Bay and the popular seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby – one of England’s best coastal towns and home to Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
There are Route Descriptions in the Further Information section of this website.
Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Cleveland Way. The route is challenging in places, especially on the Cleveland Hills and some of the coastal sections, but this adds to the overall experience. Whilst the route is well-signed throughout, an up-to-date map or GPS mapping is essential.
You can walk the Cleveland Way at any time of year but if you want to see the moorland heather in bloom, the best time to visit is late August and early September.
Most people walk the route in a clockwise direction from Helmsley to Filey as you are likely to have the wind behind you. But there is no right or wrong way and plenty of people enjoy walking the route in the opposite direction.
The Cleveland Way follows a horseshoe direction, encompassing great variety around much of the beautiful North York Moors National Park.
Running from the historic market town of Helmsley, across the North York Moors and along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, the Trail is considered a classic route because of the rich and varied landscape through which it passes.
There is a wealth of history and heritage to enjoy along the way including Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, the White Horse of Kilburn, Mount Grace Priory House and Gardens, Gisborough Priory, Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle.
Visit our News Page for the latest interesting and exciting news on the Cleveland Way.
Take a look at our Events Calendar to find details of the enjoyable events that are taking place along the trail. If you want, you can even add your own event.
Starting in the beautiful market town of Helmsley the Cleveland way takes you across the heather-clad North York Moors to reach the sea. The coastal section offers some of the best coastal walking in the UK.
Explore the Cleveland Way for three days, a week or even longer. Find inspiration for your walking adventure using our suggested itineraries, or select one of our bookable itineraries which are highlighted with a star.
This 6-day tour provides a wonderful introduction to the dramatic moorland and spectacular coastline of the proud old county of Yorkshire.
61.5 KM
Moderate
Well signed
You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please enquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your enquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
Discover something new to explore every step of the way, from natural icons and historic attractions to coastal towns and villages…
Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail here.
