The Cleveland Way

The moors and coast trail has something for everyone, the Cleveland Way is a 110-mile National Trail that connects Helmsley, in the heart of the North York Moors, with the seaside at Filey. Around 80 percent of the trail lies within the national park, while highlights include crossing the highest point on the Moors (Urra Moor, almost 1500 feet) and winding through stunning old fishing villages like Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay. If you want to do whole thing it's going to take you 9 or 10 days, but it's a pretty easy trail to take in bite-sized sections – Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, for example (6 miles), or up to the majestic viewpoint of Roseberry Topping from near Great Ayton. There are also loads of one- and two-day walks to download on the official website. If you just have time for one decent day out, National Trails Officer Malcolm Hodgson reckons you should try "the rollercoaster 11 miles between Osmotherley and Clay Bank, which has incredible views across the Tees lowlands and also the other way, into the beautiful Bilsdale valley". Traditional starting point for the whole trail is the Market Cross in the centre of Helmsley; you'll finish on the coast at Filey Brigg, 7 miles south of Scarborough and, in between, will have tramped through heather, explored abbeys and castles, walked on deserted beaches and stayed overnight in moorland villages and coastal ports. Happy hiking! (By the way, if you're a real Moors-head, you can complete the circuit by following the 50-mile 'Link Through the Tabular Hills Walk', which runs from Scalby Mills near Scarborough all the way back to Helmsley – around another 4 days on foot).