Sutton Bank Walk: From the Kilburn White Horse to High Paradise

Discover Stunning Views on the Sutton Bank Walk Along the Cleveland Way

This Sutton Bank walk starts from the car park on Low Town Bank Road. If you are coming from the north, take the A170 to the top of Sutton Bank and follow the signs for the Yorkshire Gliding Club and White Horse. If you are arriving from the south, drive along Carr Lane from the village of Kilburn and follow the signs for the White Horse. Once you reach the car park, cross the road and turn left onto a footpath. After about 10 minutes, this path will bring you to the Cleveland Way at the top of the White Horse Hill Figure.

While the path takes you directly to the top of the White Horse Hill Figure, this vantage point does not allow you to fully appreciate the size and beauty of this iconic landmark. To offer a better perspective, I have included some spectacular aerial photographs. These images, kindly provided by the creators of the YouTube channel John & Mike Go On A Hike, capture the White Horse in all its grandeur from above. Their channel combines captivating walking adventures with stunning visuals, and I highly recommend visiting it for inspiration: https://youtu.be/WmUAyspNSmg.

From here, you will follow the Cleveland Way for the entire walk. This straightforward, linear route is well-maintained and easy to navigate. On clear days, you will enjoy spectacular views throughout your hike. You can choose how far to walk before turning back, making this walk as flexible as it is scenic. For this guide, the full route is described to High Paradise, which is 6 miles each way, giving you a total walk of 12 miles. If you prefer a shorter trek, consider these alternative waypoints:

• From the White Horse to the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre and back: about 3½ miles in total.
• From the White Horse to Whitestone Cliff and back: roughly 5 miles in total.
• From the White Horse to Boltby Scar and back: approximately 8 miles in total.
• From the White Horse to Sneck Yate and back: about 10 miles in total.


To begin, head north on the Cleveland Way, which hugs the top of the Sutton Bank escarpment. The path leads you across Ivy Scar and Roulston Scar, offering dramatic views across the Vale of Mowbray. After walking for around a mile, you will pass the Yorkshire Gliding Club on your right-hand side. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a glider taking off or even one soaring above you over the landscape.

As you continue, the trail reaches the main road at Sutton Bank after about 1¾ miles. Cross the busy road carefully and turn left to rejoin the Cleveland Way. If you need a break, this is an excellent opportunity to visit the North York Moors National Park Visitor Centre, which has a café, shop, and toilet facilities. Once ready to continue, the Cleveland Way guides you along Sutton Brow, eventually leading to the stunning Whitestone Cliff. By this point, you will have walked about 2½ miles.

This section of the Sutton Bank walk becomes slightly more remote as you trek towards Boltby Scar, which you will reach after about 4 miles. Shortly after, you will pass High Barn, a crumbling but atmospheric structure on your right-hand side. The scenery remains captivating as you continue for another half a mile to reach Sneck Yate, where the trail crosses a minor road.

Beyond Sneck Yate, the Cleveland Way enters the enchanting Boltby Forest. As you follow the well-trodden path through the trees, the peaceful woodland adds a new dimension to your walk. After 6 miles, you will arrive at High Paradise, your final waypoint. This beautiful spot marks the perfect turnaround point.

To complete your Sutton Bank walk, simply retrace your steps along the Cleveland Way. This return journey allows you to enjoy the spectacular views from a fresh perspective, ensuring that the experience is as rewarding on the way back as it was on the way out. With its dramatic escarpments, picturesque woodlands, and well-signposted trails, this 12-mile walk perfectly captures the beauty of the North York Moors.

Sutton Bank Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics

Recommended Ordnance Survey Map

The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the North York Moors Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL26, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.

About Sutton Bank

A Landmark of the North York Moors

Sutton Bank is a striking hill located in the Hambleton District of the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire. This prominent feature of the Hambleton Hills offers breathtaking views over the Vale of York and the Vale of Mowbray.

The A170 road runs steeply down Sutton Bank, featuring a maximum gradient of 1 in 4 (25%) and a sharp hairpin bend. Drivers are required to use low gear when travelling up or down this challenging stretch. Caravans are prohibited due to the road’s difficulty.

At the base of Sutton Bank lies the picturesque village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe. Just south of the hill stands Roulston Scar, the site of an impressive Iron Age hillfort constructed around 400 BC. This area also holds historical significance as the approximate location of the Battle of Old Byland, where the Scots defeated the English on 14 October 1322.

Activities and Attractions

At the top of Sutton Bank, you’ll find the Yorkshire Gliding Club, which has taken advantage of the hill’s exposure to westerly winds for ridge soaring since the 1930s. Nearby, the Sutton Bank National Park Centre provides an engaging exhibition on the area’s distinctive glacially shaped landscape. Visitors can enjoy views of notable features such as Roulston Scar, Hood Hill, and Gormire Lake. The centre also includes a bike skills area and a cycle shop.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore several footpaths in the area, including routes leading southwards to the White Horse of Kilburn, a famous turf-cut hill figure. The Cleveland Way National Trail, a 109-mile (177-kilometre) route, crosses Sutton Bank, offering walkers an excellent way to experience the surrounding landscape. For cyclists, the North York Moors National Park Authority has developed dedicated trails starting from the visitor centre.

A Dark Sky Discovery Site

Sutton Bank is one of three designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the North York Moors, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Its remote location and minimal light pollution provide stunning night-time views of the heavens.

The White Horse of Kilburn: A Unique Landmark

The White Horse of Kilburn dominates the landscape, visible from miles around. This remarkable figure is England’s most northerly turf-cut hill figure. Covering an area of just over one acre, it measures 318 feet (97 metres) in length and 220 feet (67 metres) in height. Its creation in 1857 was an ambitious project, reflecting the vision and dedication of a Victorian businessman and a local schoolmaster.

Thomas Taylor, a native of Kilburn who worked for a London merchant, was inspired by the chalk hill figures of southern England. He proposed a similar project for his home village. The schoolmaster and his pupils marked out the horse’s shape on the hillside. A team of 31 volunteers completed the cutting and deposited six tonnes of lime on the grey rock to achieve the striking white appearance. The figure requires regular maintenance to keep it bright.

During World War II, the conspicuous landmark had to be camouflaged to avoid attracting German bombers. Despite this, the White Horse remains a cherished feature of the region, symbolising the creativity and hard work of the local community.

Sutton Bank Walk: My Photos

After parking on Low Town Bank Road, we use the good-quality, well-maintained footpath that runs across Low Town Brow. The footpath will lead us to the top of the White Horse Hill Figure. The path is pushchair-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all visitors.

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After just a few minutes, we reach the top of the White Horse Hill Figure and are greeted with such amazing views. The car park below us, shown in this picture, is an alternative car park that we chose not to use. We wanted to avoid the steep steps that lead up the hillside. However, from the car park below, there is a good view of the White Horse perched on the hillside. This is a great option for anybody who is interested in seeing it from a different perspective.

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The path across the top of the hill above the White Horse Hill Figure is flat and well looked after. There are plenty of benches along the way, providing several opportunities to take a break and enjoy the fantastic views.

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Continuing along the footpath across the escarpment edge, we get a great view of the rocky outcrop called Ivy Scar. This is one of many fantastic views we will be treated to on our Sutton Bank walk.

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After Ivy Scar, our route runs across the top of Roulston Scar. This view looks west over to Hood Hill, which is about half a mile away and stands at a height of 250 metres (820 feet). Roulston Scar is a plateau that was once occupied by an Iron Age hillfort, dating back to around 400 BC. It is the largest of its kind in the north of England and one of the biggest in Britain.

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The views from Roulston Scar are amazing. Below us lies Hood Hill Plantation, a blend of deciduous and evergreen trees that create a layered tapestry of green, gold, and brown hues. Hood Grange Farm is visible, surrounded by a patchwork of gently rolling farmland fields.

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Here is another view of Hood Hill, this time seen from Roulston Scar. We are standing slightly higher than Hood Hill, at an elevation of roughly 290 metres (951 feet). On top of Hood Hill are castle remains built in 1086 to keep rebellious locals in check. Although it was never more than a modest fortification, we imagine how intimidating it must have looked, silhouetted against the evening sky.

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Sutton Bank Walk: The Yorkshire Gliding Club

We continue from Roulston Scar, and very soon, the Yorkshire Gliding Club comes into view. Gliders use natural air currents to fly, much like birds do. This means that any successful gliding club needs plenty of wind. If there’s one thing Sutton Bank is well-known for, it’s the abundance of wind, making it an ideal spot for gliding enthusiasts.

To keep a glider in the sky, the pilot must find air that rises faster than the glider descends. There are three main types of rising air, all of which can often be experienced here on the same day. Hill lift occurs when wind blows across flat land and meets a steep slope. The air currents are pushed upwards as they travel over the top of the slope, creating a useful source of lift for gliders.

Thermals are another form of rising air, typically occurring on warm, sunny days. As the ground heats up, the air above it also warms and rises in columns. Glider pilots can use these columns to circle upwards and gain altitude. Lastly, wave lift is created when the wind blows over the Pennines to the west. This produces a pattern of rising and falling air currents that can allow gliders to gain significant height and travel over long distances. These natural phenomena make Sutton Bank a fantastic location for gliding.

Yorkshire Gliding Club is one of the oldest in the world. It has boasted some of aviation’s biggest names as members, launched world champions, survived a world war, and become a beloved local institution. Amy Johnson is the best-known former member of the Yorkshire Gliding Club. She shot to fame in 1930 when she became the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia.

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From the Yorkshire Gliding Club, we continue along the path above the steep cliffs and pass another prominent point along this stretch known as Knowlson’s Drop. Benches along the way offer walkers plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the dramatic views over the Vale of Mowbray.

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We are just over one and a quarter miles into our Sutton Bank walk. Looking south-west, we see the tree-covered Hood Hill. To the left of the hill, we can also see the rocky outcrop of Roulston Scar.

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We ignore the public footpath on our right, signposted to Hambleton, and instead continue straightforward on the way to the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre. The path remains wide, well-maintained, and pushchair- and wheelchair-friendly.

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Sutton Bank Walk: The Cleveland Way

The path along the top of Sutton Bank forms part of the Cleveland Way. The Cleveland Way National Trail is a 109-mile (175-kilometre) walking route officially opened on 24 May 1969. It was the second recognised National Trail in England and Wales.

The trail forms a horseshoe shape, starting in Helmsley and ending at Filey Brigg. Beginning in the attractive market town of Helmsley, the Cleveland Way heads across the heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park before reaching the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. From Saltburn, it’s a visual feast along the North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and lively coastal towns. The trail concludes at Filey Brigg, a dramatic rocky peninsula on the Yorkshire Coast.

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Just before reaching the main road at Sutton Bank, we spot this toposcope. Toposcopes are typically stone structures with a flat plate on the top, often engraved with directional markers, distances, and names of visible landmarks or geographical features. They are usually placed at prominent viewpoints to help visitors identify and orient themselves with the surrounding landscape. This toposcope stands at 299 metres (981 feet) above sea level and was presented and erected by the Automobile Association.

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Sutton Bank Walk: The Battle of Byland

Sutton Bank was the scene of a fierce and bloody conflict known as the Battle of Byland. The stone monument was installed in 2022 to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Byland, which took place on 14 October 1322, when the Scottish army under King Robert ‘the Bruce’ routed King Edward II’s English troops. Warfare had been raging since Edward’s father, Edward I, first invaded Scotland in 1296. Edward II attempted his own invasion in August 1322 but was forced to retreat back to England, his army weakened by famine and disease.

King Robert seized the opportunity and led his army on a lightning march with the aim of capturing the English King from his temporary headquarters at Rievaulx Abbey and forcing him to make peace. Edward II, caught off guard, deployed troops to Sutton Bank to prevent the Scots’ advance. Arriving at the foot of Sutton Bank, the Scots, led by Sir James Douglas, launched a frontal assault on the English position but met determined resistance.

Only by sending a detachment of troops around Roulston Scar was Robert’s army able to outflank the English. Surprised by this manoeuvre, Edward’s army scattered, and he only narrowly escaped capture at Rievaulx Abbey. In the wake of this significant battle, Edward was unable to continue the war and, in May 1323, was forced to agree to a thirteen-year truce with the Scots. Scottish independence and Bruce’s kingship were formally recognised by the Treaty of Edinburgh/Northampton in 1328.

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After crossing the main road at the top of Sutton Bank, we continue along the well-maintained footpath, which is signposted as part of the Cleveland Way to Sneck Yate.

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Sutton Bank Walk: The Finest View in England

A second signpost indicates that we are about to see the ‘finest view in England’, which heightens our anticipation. We continue to enjoy the experience of our Sutton Bank walk as we follow the trail.

A couple of minutes later, as we walk along the trail, we arrive at an elaborate viewpoint. A sign here provides information, declaring Sutton Bank as offering the ‘finest view in England’. This was the description given by the writer and famous local resident James Herriot.

We are standing at a height of 295 metres (968 feet) above sea level. In front of us, the ground plunges over 200 metres (656 feet) to the valley floor. On a clear day, we can see a vast stretch of northern England, reaching all the way to the Pennines, 30 miles (48 kilometres) to the west. The sign also marks various notable locations visible from here, including the Yorkshire Gliding Club, Roulston Scar, Hood Hill, Menwith Hill, Simon’s Seat, Great Whernside, and Penhill.

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Continuing along the footpath above Sutton Brow, we enter a charming area of silver birch woodland. By this point, we are just over two miles into our Sutton Bank walk.

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Soon, we are treated to a stunning view of Whitestone Cliff, also known as White Mare Crag. This impressive escarpment provides expansive views over the Vale of Mowbray. Whitestone Cliff consists of Upper Jurassic limestones and Middle Jurassic sandstones, which were formed between 150 and 200 million years ago. Its current shape is the result of a significant landslip that occurred during the 18th century.

The area is also steeped in local folklore. One tale tells of a knight, Sir Harry Scriven, who was tricked by the devil disguised as the Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey. In despair, Sir Harry is said to have ridden his white mare off Whitestone Cliff into the waters of Gormire Lake below.

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Sutton Bank Walk: Gormire Lake

From Whitestone Cliff, we also gain an excellent view of Gormire Lake. Gormire is one of only four natural lakes in Yorkshire. This tranquil body of water, surrounded by ancient woodland, holds geological, ecological, and historical significance, as well as a touch of folklore.

Gormire Lake was formed over 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age through glacial erosion. It is a natural lake, not man-made, and is fed by underground springs. Interestingly, the lake has no visible inflows or outflows. The lake and the adjacent Garbutt Wood are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their rich biodiversity.

The woodland surrounding the lake consists of ancient deciduous trees, such as oak, ash, and birch, which provide a habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, and insects. The lake itself supports aquatic life, including fish, waterfowl, and amphibians.

Gormire Lake is shrouded in legends. One persistent myth claims that the lake is ‘bottomless’, a belief that has intrigued locals and visitors for centuries. Despite scientific studies confirming the lake’s maximum depth to be around 7 metres (23 feet), the idea of its unfathomable depths continues to capture the imagination.

Another local tale warns that the lake is cursed, and anyone attempting to drain it would unleash catastrophic floods on the surrounding lands. This belief has helped preserve the lake’s wild and untouched atmosphere.

There is also a story of treasures hidden beneath its waters. According to some accounts, monks from Rievaulx Abbey threw valuable relics into the lake during the Dissolution of the Monasteries to protect them from Henry VIII’s soldiers.

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Since leaving the White Horse, we have remained entirely on the Cleveland Way. After passing Whitestone Cliff, we make no exception, continuing to follow the Cleveland Way to Sneck Yate. By now, we have walked approximately 2½ miles. The path, though still flat, has narrowed and may now be more challenging for pushchairs and wheelchair users.

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We continue along the narrower path as it leads towards Boltby Scar. The route remains straightforward to walk, with little in the way of steep inclines or declines.

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As we traverse the top of Boltby Scar, we are rewarded with more amazing views. We are fortunate to have a clear day, which allows us to enjoy distant vistas. Looking westward, we can see the hills and mountains of the Yorkshire Dales, including Great Whernside and Penhill, more than 30 miles (48 kilometres) away.

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In the valley below, the picturesque village of Boltby comes into view. It is an absolutely beautiful village, one we have visited on several previous occasions, including during our Gormire Lake walk here: https://www.paulbeal.com/gormire-lake-walk.

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After approximately 4½ miles, we reach High Barn. Unfortunately, this structure seems to deteriorate further each time we visit. Its roof is collapsing, and the walls appear to be tilting outwards, as though they might fall over in places.

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Sutton Bank Walk: Sneck Yate

The narrow path we have been following for the past mile or so transitions into a very pleasant grassy track as we approach the minor road at Sneck Yate.

The name ‘Sneck Yate’ has Old Norse and Old English origins: ‘sneck’ means ‘latch’ or ‘snib’, and ‘yate’ means ‘gate’. Together, they translate to ‘latch gate’. This name reflects the area’s Viking heritage and its historical use as a controlled access point.

Historically, Sneck Yate served as an important junction on the Hambleton Drove Road, an ancient route used for driving livestock from Scotland to markets in York and southern England. This route played a vital role in trade and the movement of goods before the advent of railways.

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From Sneck Yate, we follow a delightful woodland trail. Our entire Sutton Bank walk has been on the Cleveland Way National Trail, and this section is no exception.

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Sutton Bank Walk: Boltby Forest

The trail leads us through a thin sliver of woodland, which is part of Boltby Forest. This working forest, managed by Forestry England, features a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. It is primarily planted with conifers such as Scots pine, spruce, and larch, but there are also patches of broadleaf trees, including oak, birch, and beech.

Boltby Forest has a long-standing association with the local landscape. While much of the forest seen today is the result of 20th-century afforestation, the area has historic ties to agriculture, droving routes, and land management.

The presence of Sneck Yate and the Hambleton Drove Road reminds us of the region’s historical significance in trade and livestock movement, particularly during medieval times. This blend of natural beauty and history makes the area all the more fascinating to explore.

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Passing through a gate, we briefly leave the woodland behind. The scenery here is beautiful, and we pause to appreciate our surroundings. At this point, we have covered approximately 5½ miles of our Sutton Bank walk.

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We reach a minor tarmac road that leads uphill towards High Paradise. This stretch is easy to follow, and the gentle incline makes it a pleasant section of our journey.

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Sutton Bank Walk: High Paradise

Finally, we arrive at High Paradise Farm, a traditional 16th-century moorland farmhouse and smallholding. The farm offers a variety of facilities, including five self-catered rooms, a tearoom, camping areas, and an event and wedding venue. There is also a small onsite shop selling local goods.

High Paradise Farm is situated on the Cleveland Way and is perfectly located for walkers looking for a stopping point at the end of their first day’s walk. The tearoom’s opening hours vary seasonally, so it’s worth checking their website for the latest information: https://www.highparadise.co.uk/tea-rooms.html.

At High Paradise Farm, we reach the six-mile mark of our walk. This is where we choose to pause for coffee and lunch, taking time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Once refreshed, we retrace our steps back along the same route, making this a 12-mile (19-kilometre) round trip. The return journey offers us the chance to revisit the stunning views and landmarks we encountered earlier, ensuring the perfect end to a truly memorable Sutton Bank walk.

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