Development of the Cleveland Way began in the 1930s when the Teesside Ramblers' Association pressed for the creation of a long-distance path in the north-east of Yorkshire linking the Hambleton Drove Road, the Cleveland escarpment and footpaths on the Yorkshire coast. Subsequently, in 1953, a formal proposal to create the route was submitted to the North Riding of Yorkshire Council by the National Parks Commission.[5] The trail was officially opened in 1969. It was the second official National Trail to be opened.[1]
The trail falls into two roughly equal sections. The inland section leads west from Helmsley, then north, then east around the west of the North York Moors National Park. It then leaves the National Park near Guisborough to meet the coast at Saltburn. It re-enters the National Park just north of Staithes; the coastal section follows the coast from Saltburn to Whitby, then leaves the National Park for the final time at Cloughton Wyke to reach Scarborough and Filey.
The Hardmoors Race Series features ultramarathons, marathons and shorter races based on the Cleveland Way route. Included in the ultramarathon series are a 110-mile race circumnavigating the entire length of the Cleveland Way, and a 55-mile and 60-mile race which race between Helmsley and Guisborough, and Guisborough and Filey respectively in differing directions. There are also longer routes which link up to other trails including the Yorkshire Wolds Way.[6]
Circular walks
Official circular walks along the Cleveland Way include:
