9.65 miles.

Explorer Map OL26, - North York Moors Western Area

A walk taking in the first stage of the Cleveland Way. The walk is taken from John Eckersley's "Cleveland Circles".
The walk is quite straightforward, and presents no especial navigational difficulties. The gradients are all quite gentle.
It is possible that in winter time the ground may become fairly wet, but otherwise this is a "4 Seasons" walk.

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

Start from Helmsley Car Park, SE61090 98780.
The stone marking the beginning of the Cleveland Way is at the exit of this car park (the "real" start of the Cleveland Way, though, is the Market Cross in Helmsley).
From this stone, take the waymarked footpath to Rievaulx Bridge (SE57422 84284). The path is very clear and well signposted all the way.
At Rievaulx Bridge, turn right and walk along the minor road past Rievaulx Abbey.
Continue past the Abbey until just past the parish Church of St. Mary there is a Methodist Church on the left hand side of the road. At this point, turn left along the minor road / track and head in a Northerly direction to eventually meet the B1257.
Cross the B1257, and walking along the verge on this side of the road, head in a Northerly direction until you come to the entrance to Oscar Park Farm (SE57212 87329). Here, take the track to the Farm and pass through the farmyard.
On the other side of the farmyard is a clearly marked footpath which takes you East through woodland to Beck Dale.
Once in Beck Dale, follow the valley Southwards back to Helmsley.