The Grey Panthers

This walk was designed for walking when the weather was wet, and the ground underfoot would be heavy going. Although maximum use was made of minor road and farm tracks, it still wasn't possible to completely avoid muddy tracks. Some of these tracks were quite slippery, and walking could be quite tiring.
However, the majority of the walk was on firm ground. The gradients encountered are all relatively gentle.
There are some superb views, and there is much to see that is of interest, - especially (obviously) Rievaulx and Rievaulx Abbey.
Although this was a "winter walk" it would be highly enjoyable in Spring / Summer.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)

Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers web site, - just use QUO!!

Start from the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre (SE51644 83115).
Just opposite the Visitor Centre car park, at the junction of the road that leads to Cold Kirby, there is a well signposted footpath and cycle track that heads East through the plantation.
After a short distance there is a signposted footpath to Hambleton House on your left. Pedestrians are meant to follow this path, as the alternative (continuing Eastwards on a well made track) is designated for cyclists only.
From Hambleton House, follow the clearly signposted footpath to Cold Kirby.
Head down Cold Kirby's main street and at the Eastern end there is a signposted right of way that passes between some farm buildings.
Head along this right of way and then a field footpath until you reach the minor road between Cold Kirby and Old Byland.
Head along the road to Old Byland, then continue along the road in the direction of Rievaulx.
A mile or so along this road there is a signposted road on your left to Tylas Farm.
Head down this road (a fairly steep drop), then take the track on your right that takes you to Bow Bridge and onwards to Rievaulx.
In Rievaulx, head down the hill past the church to the Abbey's Visitor Centre.
Continue along the road to Rievaulx Bridge.
Cross the bridge and continue along the road in a Westerly direction, following the Cleveland Way footpath signs.
Turn right in Flassen Dale, again following the Cleveland Way footpath sign, and head to Cold Kirby.
In Cold Kirby, retrace your steps to Sutton Bank.