10.4 miles.

Explorer Map OL26, - North York Moors

A ramble from Great Ayton, aiming for Captain Cook's Monument.
However, whereas most visitors to the Monument would ascenf by the path from Gribdale Gate, or by passing the monument whilst walking the Cleveland Way, this route make suse of a number of farm footpaths and only a small section of the Cleveland Way.
The route can be undertaken at any time of the year and presents no navigational problems.
The ascent to Captain Cook's Monument from Kildale is lengthy, but uses a minor road for the steepest section.
However, the descent from the Monument is VERY steep, and is a track through woodland.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)

Start from car park in Great Ayton near the Tourist Information building (NZ56391 10724)
Head Westwards down the Hight Street until you come to Waterfall Park by the River Leven. Here a waymarked footpath heads South Eastwards, initially through the park but then passing playing fields.
This footpath is clearly waymarked, and heads over farmland to Easby.
At Easby the footpath emerges, past some buildings, onto a minor road. Head South West for a short distance, then turn left and head along the minor road untill you come to Pilly Hall.
Take the signposted and waymarked footpath to Fir Tree Farm, and then onwards to Battersby Junction.
DO NOT cross the railway tracks at this point. Instead, there is a waymarked footpath parrallel to the railway track, heading North East. Initially this footpath is clear, but soon becomes lost in a "jungle". However, remain aparallel to the railway track until you come to a bridge carrying the railway overhead. Cross the railway by passing under this bridge.
The footpath takes you to Battersby.
Head East through Battersby, then take the waymarked farm footpath North East to Low Farm and Park Farm.
From Park Farm take the waymarked footpath to Kildale.
The Cleveland Way initially follows the minor road into Kildale, before heading Northwards (and upwards) along a minor road to Pale End Plantation.
However, you may want to stop off In Kildale itself before heading up to Pale End Plantation, as there is a cafe in the village, and a Church just past the railway station. In the grounds of the railway station is a toilet block.
Continue along the Cleveland Way (signposted ) to Captain Cook's Monument.
From the Monument, head North West (NOT North to Gribdale Gate) where the footpath takes you downhill VERY STEEPLY initially to Great Ayton Station.
However, before you reach Great Ayton Station, a lane on your left takes you to LIttle Ayton and then back to Great Ayton.