10.2 miles.
Explorer Map OL26 - North York Moors (Western Area)
This walk is best done in fine weather, as there are superlative
views to be had from the top of the moors. However, the walk is enjoyable
in all weathers, and only extremes of poor visibility or wet should
deter the walker.
There are some steep ascents and descents, with some clambering over
rocks at the Wainstones.
Although almost all of the footpaths are well looked after, with sections
of the Cleveland Way being used, - together with shooters' tracks, there
were some sections which proved to be very uneven and muddy.
THis is a reasonably "serious" walk, and although there is
virtually no difficulty with navigation the overall walk could prove
taxing to some.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from the car park by Chop Gate village hall. (SE55900 99287).
Head North up the road through Chop Gate to Seave Green. Cross the road
towards Seave Green, then almost immediately cross the beck by the footbridge
(there is also a ford at thispoint).
Walk up the lane to East Bank Farm, and continue past the farm to the
plantation. Follow the waymark signs to continue along the footpath which
takes you through East Bank Plantation and up onto Bilsdale Moor.
Once up on the moor, take the shooters' track Northwards, and then North
Eastwards.
About a mile or so along the track, you meet up with the Cleveland Way
footpath.
Not far to the East of this junction you can see the trig point of Round
Hill, - the highest point on the North York Moors.
Returning to the Cleveland Way, now head North West along the track to
make your way to Clay Bank.
Just before you reach Clay Bank there is a very steep descent from the
moor top down into the valley.
At the Clay Bank car park there are picnic benches, - and in good weather
superb views across to Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping.
REturn to the Cleveland Way footpath from the Clay Bank car park, and
now head West up the very steep path to Hasty Bank. Continue along the
Cleveland Way to the Wainstones.
Descend from the Wainstones, still using the Cleveland Way footpath.
Go past a signpost indicating a footpath to Chop Gate on your left (and
to Great Broughton on your right).
About 200 yards past this signpost you pass through a gate in a wall,where
you take the left footpath up a hill.
This footpath eventually meets up with a shooters' track that heads almost
due South.
Continue along the shooters' track until you eventually descend to meet
Cold Moor Lane, which, in turn, brings you back to Chop Gate.