Walking Diverse Landscape on the Cleveland Way
- Start you walk with historic path from Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey
- Spectacular views from Sutton Bank over the Vale of Mowbray
- End your walk at the coast, with the Victorian seaside towns of Whitby, Scarborough and Filey
- Roseberry Topping, a prominent feature of the landscape and a great vantage point for views over the moors
- Robin Hood Bay, Staithes and Runswick Bay - picturesque fishing villages tucked away along the coast
- Cliff top walks with incredible views over the Tees lowlands and Bilsdale valley
Walking The Cleveland Way
Your walking holiday begins at the attractive market town of Helmsley, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. Around 80 percent of the Cleveland Way lies within the National Park, the largest area of moorland in England before reaching the North Sea coast.
The way-marked path climbs the remote upland moors, culminating at the highest point - Urra Moor. From here, you can take stock and reflect on how far you've come, and gazing out into the expansive Yorkshire landscape - it's hard not to take pride in your ascent of nearly 1500 ft!
Here you discover your first glimpse of the coast from the nearby peak of Roseberry Topping, the result being awe-inspiring, panoramic views at 1050 ft.
From North York Moors to the Cleveland Heritage Coast
From the moors, the route drops to converge with the coastal path driving south along the rugged cliff top paths and bays of the Yorkshire coast. This is part of the Cleveland Heritage Coast, where the wild heather of the moors now start to peer over the cliff edge.
From the historic seaside towns of Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, you have amazing views out to the North Sea - ending your walk on the coast at Filey Brigg, 7 miles south of Scarborough.
Walk the Cleveland Way and witness for yourself the great beauty of the diverse moorland and coast. Significant historical events are embedded deep within the moors heritage - evident in the area's famous abbeys and castles.
We stay overnight in moorland villages and coastal ports, celebrated for their local cheese and ale. Here, you can make the most of the excellent B&Bs and Inns, as well as the famous Yorkshire hospitality.
The contrast in scenery is what makes the Cleveland Way totally unique – no other long distance path combines moor and coast so well.
For more information and advice on walking the Cleveland Way, please call our walk team who will be delighted to help you with your holiday plans.
Celtic Trails Walking Holidays has 26 years’ experience providing tailored, high quality itineraries for walkers who appreciate good service, comfort and organisation.
Path Walkthrough
In terms of scenery, this route offers a great sense of diversity in landscape. By and large, this is a walk through moorland to the coast, with its fishing villages overlooking the North Sea. Through the North York Moors National Park you'll trek over heather-capped hills, with far-reaching views over the surrounding area from the ridge at Hambleton hills and Roseberry Topping.
Whereas some sections over the moors will involve ups and downs, the path along the coast also becomes quite steep in places (especially on the section towards Robin Hood Bay). These sections become harder to negotiate in wet weather, but are not too challenging providing you have the right footwear and waterproof clothing for the weather. However, navigation shouldn't be a problem as the route is amply way-marked, and well connected with a local bus service running alongside the majority of the path.
Our Cleveland Way Itineraries
Helmsley to Filey
Distance: 110 miles (177km)
CLV1
11 Nights
from £1370
CLV1 ~ Helmsley to Filey ~ 11 / 10
classic
Day | Walk | Distance | |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive Helmsley | 1n | |
Day 2 | Helmsley to Sutton Bank | 10 mls | 1n |
Day 3 | (t) Sutton Bank to Osmotherley | 11.25 mls | 1n |
Day 4 | Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top (t) | 11 mls | 1n |
Day 5 | (t) Clay Bank Top to Roseberry Topping | 13.75 mls | 1n |
Day 6 | Roseberry Topping to Saltburn by Sea | 10.5 mls | 1n |
Day 7 | Saltburn by Sea to Staithes | 8.8 mls | 1n |
Day 8 | Staithes to Whitby | 11.6 mls | 1n |
Day 9 | Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay | 7 mls | 1n |
Day 10 | Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough | 14 mls | 2n |
Day 11 | Scarborough to Filey (t) | 10.5 mls | |
Day 12 | Depart Scarborough |
What's Included:
2024 Prices
Extras
CLV2
10 Nights
from £1260
CLV2 ~ Helmsley to Filey ~ 10 / 9
classic
Day | Walk | Distance | |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive Helmsley | 1n | |
Day 2 | Helmsley to Sutton Bank | 10 mls | 1n |
Day 3 | (t) Sutton Bank to Osmotherley | 11.25 mls | 1n |
Day 4 | Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top (t) | 11 mls | 1n |
Day 5 | (t) Clay Bank Top to Roseberry Topping | 13.75 mls | 1n |
Day 6 | Roseberry Topping to Saltburn by Sea | 10.5 mls | 1n |
Day 7 | Saltburn by Sea to Runswick Bay | 12.2 mls | 1n |
Day 8 | Runswick Bay to Robin Hood's Bay | 15.2 mls | 1n |
Day 9 | Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough | 14 mls | 2n |
Day 10 | Scarborough to Filey (t) | 10.5 mls | |
Day 11 | Depart Scarborough |
What's Included:
2024 Prices
Extras
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Cleveland Way holidays are available to walk March to October.
The winter months can bring windy and unsettled weather across the moors, making progress along this route more difficult.
The path around the coast is liable to become quite muddy following wet weather, in any case it's better to be prepared with good, sturdy footwear and waterproofs for this hike.
Nearest major airports are located in Manchester and Newcastle.
Railway stations are located in York, Scarborough and Filey.
www.nationalrail.co.uk
There is a bus from York to Helmsley.
If you prefer to arrive by car, we can advise on car parking arrangements.
Taxis can be organised - prices available upon request.
Cleveland Way Client Reviews
4.8/5 based on 30 reviews
This is the second time I?ve planned a walk with Celtic Trails and the details matter, so thanks for that. The walk pack, details, booking and luggage transfer were without error, this really matters when you are out on a hike and tired as you come into your accommodation. The accommodations were good, clean, warm and in the local character. I totally recommend it. I have done many various holiday trips, though I find getting out in the countryside, experiencing the views, the smells, the sounds, the activity and ?nature tranquillity? to be very therapeutic; great for the body, mind and soul. I really try to be present and in the moment on trips like this. ????
Mark Murray - May 2023
Celtic Trails are very efficient. Would recommend.
Isobel, Welwyn Garden City - September 2022
Cleveland Way was a walk of two halves. Awesome to visit the moors, and the contrast of sitting on a beach. Celtic Trails' Walk Pack are brilliant. All the hassle taken away. Excellent customer service.
Mr Darren Barrett - August 2022
Celtic Trails provided a first-class service with personal touch - perceived as more than just a booking reference. We enjoyed the variety of this trail - something for everyone. Well sign-posted and enough ascents / descents to challenge.
Cargill, Scotland - July 2022
I would say that Celtic Trails is very well organised and their customer service is excellent. I would like to thank Penny fore being absolutely wonderful when we hit a snag with our luggage being transferred. I was so impressed when she arranged for a cab to pick up and deliver all of our bags within an hour. My family was incredibly grateful! Penny is awesome!
Mark and Shelley - June 2022
Celtic Trails were very good; well organised, flexible service and good standard of accommodation. Thanks, Penny - we had a great time. And thank you for rolling over our holiday from pre-Covid times without penalty - much appreciated. This walk had an
Anon - May 2022
Celtic Trails makes the walk wonderful and planning for the trip easy. They take care of all the details, so we could focus on having fun and relaxing.
B. Richmond, K. Richmond - April 2022
Celtic Trails were efficient and professional, providing a good holiday. It was good to be able to enjoy such a holiday again after the pandemic. The Cleveland Way is a lovely part of the country, which we were not familiar with.
Anon - October 2021
Helpful staff. Excellent accommodation chosen. Good information supplied. Very reasonable price for the standard of accommodation. Great to be somewhere new. First holiday for 2 years owing to Covid and we were so lucky with the weather. This walk has a wonderful variety of scenery and was just the right amount of challenging.
M and S Cooper - September 2021
Really impressed. You are friendly and approachable and sorted a minor issue promptly. Thank you. Better than other companies. I have wanted to walk the Cleveland way for some years. I most enjoyed the variety of countryside, the incredible views and the wildlife. Walking is my greatest pleasure.
Anon - September 2021
A good mix of inland and coast walking. We felt a great sense of achievement. Celtic Trails were well organised.
Anon - September 2021
Walk Pack was better than other companies and standard of accommodation was higher, but I I'm uncomfortable walking on cliffs for extended periods.
Anon - September 2021
Quality advice. Trustworthy booking. Everything happens as promised. Always there if required. Good to deal with.
N. Bayne - July 2021
Celtic Trails were easy and efficient. It was good to get away after the pandemic.
Martin & Sarah Healey - June 2021
Overall, we had a great holiday - I'm pleased we went with Celtic Trails. I would describe them as very efficient. Excellent information, took all the 'admin' out of doing the walking, leaving us to enjoy it more. A lovely scenic walk.
Trevor, York - May 2021
Efficient, good accommodation bookings and details.
R. Barker - September 2019
Celtic Trails are very efficient and thorough; they are the easyway to do a long distance walk.
Anon - September 2019
Celtic Trails are much better than other companies - very easy to use, very good accommodations, excellent information. Cleveland Way is very well maintained and a thoughtfully planned walk.
D. Evans - September 2019
This holiday was great - very empowering. Most enjoyed the moors - even in rain/fog.
M. McClean - September 2019
We would recommend Celtic Trails to a friend; very good organisation and very good follow up.
Anon - June 2019
We enjoyed our holiday tremendously - particularly the variety of going from the moors to the coast. We have walked with you a few times before and you have met our expectations again
C&S Ungar - October 2018
Excellent walk - well marked and maintained. Good B&Bs. Where next …???
R&M - July 2018
We have used you before and we would use you again, as we like the standard of accommodation.
Ferris - July 2018
Celtic Trails are up there with the best - we would walk with you again, no problem. The accommodations were all very good and we most enjoyed the freedom and the variety.
J&M Orchard - July 2018
With great thanks for your thoughtful attention to our particular needs.
B&D Gwaltney - June 2018
"We have been happy with our walk, from initial contact to the end, it all went really well. I feel [other companies] are not paying attention to detail, we will use Celtic Trails again."
Williams - October 2017
"Supa! Keep up the good work. We enjoyed the beauty of the scenery, then a nice shower and a warm bed (as well as a good meal and a good beer)."
De Deken & Peetas - August 2016
"Great walking holiday! Particularly liked the combination of moorland and coastal walking. Have walked with another other company but several now with Celtic Trails - you would be our first preference!!"
Read & Raco - September 2015
"Dear Penny, we would like to thank you for a great holiday. We would happily stay at any of the accommodations again! All your organisation of the accommodation and luggage worked smoothly and we were free to just enjoy the walking. The Cleveland Trail is very well signed ~ we did actually complete the walk to Filey. Thanks again."
Bowles - May 2015
Celtic Trails sort out the practicalities so you can focus on and enjoy the walk and rest in between. Feel a great sense of achievement from this holiday. The contrast between the moors, woods and coastline was fabulous. We wish we'd scheduled a rest day.
Sally - Leeds -
Booking Request - Cleveland Way
We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.
Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.
Still Have Questions?If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.
Enquire About Cleveland Way
Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
Sample Accommodations
Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.