9.58 miles.
Explorer Map OL27, - North York Moors (Eastern Area).
This walk proved to be considerably more demanding than
expected.
Although the parts of the walk that involved the Cleveland Way and the
disused railway line were quite straightforward, we found that the field
footpaths were another matter.
The paths are not at all clearly marked, and we found ourselves seriously
off course at least three times.
The field footpaths were also over rough and boggy ground, so that the
going was quite difficult in places.
On paper this looks to be a very attractive walk, thoughit could prove
to be fairly taxing at times.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Park above Runswick Bay in the free car park (NZ80807
16120). Toilets are nearby.
Descend down into Runswick Bay by the signposted footpath from the car
park.
Once in Runswick Bay, head Eastwards along the shoreline (walk on the
bech if the tide is out) to follow the Cleveland Way up to the cliff
top. The footpath ascends initially through a gully at Hob Holes.
Follow the Cleveland Way to the point where it meets the disused railway
at NZ821 153.
Cut up to the railway track and follow it initially Westwards and then
Southwards to the railway bridge at NZ814 142.
From the railway bridge take the track to Westfields Farm.
Here the footpath you want to follow is shown on the map as running
South Westwards to meet High Dale at NZ810 138.
However, you may find this footpath a bit difficult to find unless you
carefully study the map beforehand.
From High Dale, foloow the footpath along the field boundary (DO NOT
cross the stile to Mickleby Hole) to the A174.
Cross the A174 and then take the minor road into Mickleby.
In Mickleby take the signposted footpath to Ugthorpe at NZ802 129.
Carefully follow the field boundaries on the map and head due South
to Ugthorpe. The footbridge at NZ801 120 over the Mickleby Beck might
be difficult to find. Take care.
In Ugthorpe, head West and opposite the pub take the signposted footpath
North back to Mickleby.
Once again, carefully follow field boundaries on the map. The footbridge
at NZ796 122 is difficult to locate unless you DO follow these field
boundaries.
Once back in Mickleby, head East then North to rejoin the A174.
From the A174 follow Coverdale Lane North to Ellerby Crossing Cottage
on the disused railway track. Then head North West along the track to
the outskirts of Runswick Bank Top.