Cleveland Way Map and Information

Rail services connect to York, Malton, Thirsk, Middlesbrough, Great Ayton, Whitby, Scarborough and Filey. In addition bus services can get you to the start at Helmsley from York, Malton or Scarborough.

For rail information please see www.nationalrail.co.uk

If arriving at Hull using North Sea Ferries you can catch a bus from King George Dock to the Paragon Interchange where you can pick up train, bus and coach services. Catch a train to Scarborough and then take the 128 bus from Scarborough to Helmsley.

On finishing the Trail you can catch either a bus or train directly from Filey back to Hull.

If you are arriving by plane to Leeds Bradford, Manchester or Newcastle airport it’s best to journey to York by train and then catch the daily bus through to Helmsley.

You can find up-to-date public transport information including a journey planner at www.traveline.info

There are plenty of campsites along the Trail and they can be viewed on the Interactive Map.

If you plan to camp please note in England and Wales, there are normally no rights for national trail users to wild camp along the way – so seeking the landowner’s permission is recommended.

Download the Camping Accommodation & Information Guide for full details, available from the Leaflets page.

There are several companies that will arrange to move your bags for you, help you plan your trip, or arrange a full package.

View a list of these companies here: Walking Holiday Companies. 

The Cleveland Way can be walked right through the year. If you want to see the moorland heather in bloom, then this takes place in late August and early September.

Given how muddy the coastal path can get during winter, for a better experience it is best enjoyed from Spring though to Autumn.

Most people walk the route from Helmsley through to Filey in a clockwise direction. This way you are likely to have the wind on your back for more of the time and most of the guidebooks are written this way. But there is no right or wrong way – plenty of people enjoy walking it in the other direction. If you are finding it hard to book accommodation you might want to walk the Trail in the less common direction – from Filey to Helmsley.

We recommend that you take a map and/or guidebook with you, or a copy of the walk leaflet if you are doing a shorter walk. You may also find a compass useful.

If you are walking solo you may want to tell somewhere where you are going as there can be mobile black spots along the Trail. Ensure your phone is fully charged before setting off.

Weather in the UK can be changeable so it’s wise to be prepared. You’ll need good footwear, waterproofs and warm layers. Take plenty of water and just in case, pack a few plasters for your feet. In the summer you may need sun cream.

Phone reception can be patchy along the Trail, don’t rely on being able to use your phone to help you navigate. Wi-Fi is available at some accommodation and pubs/cafés along the route.

The UK is unique in having a network of paths that the public can use, this is the Public Rights of Way network. You can see these paths on Ordnance Survey maps.

National Trails are signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on stiles, gates and signposts. This is the symbol used by all the English and Welsh National Trails.

As you are walking along the Trail you will also see waymarkers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest, reach your accommodation and find places to eat and drink.

You will often find a coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue which are bridleways.

A GPX file can be downloaded from the Create Your Own Trip page (the button is below the map).

The fastest time to complete the trail is 19 hours, 23 minutes and 13 seconds.  This was achieved at the Hardmoors 110 Ultrarace 2022 by Eddy Healey.

The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the The Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.

You can find a list of Ordnance Survey maps for the Trail here: Maps for the Trail.

Certificates are available from the The Trails Shop.

There are a wide range of useful leaflets to download, such as the Accommodation & Information Guides.  Find these in the Further Information section.

The Accommodation & Information Guide for the Cleveland Way is produced every 2 years.  There is a version for Hotels and B&Bs and a separate one for Camping.  It can be found here: Accommodation Leaflets.