Trail Running Planet · North York Moors · Hambleton Hills
Helmsley, Cleveland Way, White Horse and Rievaulx Abbey
Three proper North Yorkshire landmarks - a market town, a chalk-cut white horse and a genuinely beautiful ruined abbey - linked by one of the best waymarked trails in the country.
Distance
40.3 km
Ascent
651 m
Descent
650 m
Max elevation
329 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
7h 45m – 10h 30m
Grade
Expert
Navigation
waymarked
Parking
YO62 5BL
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A big 40.3km waymarked loop from Helmsley along the Cleveland Way escarpment, taking in the White Horse of Kilburn and the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, with 265m of climbing spread over the distance.
Hazards & notes
Exposed, unfenced escarpment edge above the Vale of York in several places - take care in high wind. This is a long day with limited resupply between Helmsley and Rievaulx, so carry what you need.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/north-york-moors/hambleton-hills/helmsley-cleveland-way-white-horse-rievaulx-abbey
trailrunningplanet.com