MARK Clay Bank & the Wainstones
Clay Bank and the Wainstones form one of the most dramatic ridge sections in the North York Moors — steep escarpments, gritstone crags, sweeping moorland, and huge views across Bilsdale and the Cleveland plain. It's a key highlight of the Cleveland Way.
The full route breakdown — stats, the line in stages, what it really feels like, and the practical detail you need to plan the day.
At a Glance
- Best Season: April–October
- Terrain: Moorland ridge, rocky outcrops, steep climbs
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
Clay Bank and the Wainstones are the classic North York Moors ridge — a steep escarpment climb onto open moorland, the distinctive gritstone crags of the Wainstones, and huge views across Bilsdale and the Cleveland plain.
It's a key highlight of the Cleveland Way and one of the best intermediate ridge walks in the region, with an option to reach Round Hill, the highest point of the North York Moors.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Option 1 — Clay Bank → Wainstones Ridge · ~6 km · 2–2.5 h · Clay Bank car park — A steep climb from Clay Bank onto the ridge, follow the Cleveland Way east to the Wainstones crags, explore the rocky outcrops, and return the same way. The best ridge views with rocky, atmospheric terrain.
- Option 2 — Clay Bank → Wainstones → Hasty Bank Loop · ~8–10 km · 3–3.5 h · Clay Bank car park — Climb to the ridge, traverse the Wainstones, continue to Hasty Bank, and loop back via moorland tracks. More varied, with a quiet return and strong photography potential.
- Option 3 — Clay Bank → Round Hill (Urra Moor) · ~10–12 km · 3–4 h · Clay Bank car park — Climb to the ridge, head west along the Cleveland Way to Round Hill — the highest point of the North York Moors — and return along the same ridge. Big-sky moorland walking for intermediate walkers.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Easy on the ridge, but the moorland can be featureless and fog reduces visibility — carry a GPX and offline map.
- Terrain: Steep initial climb, rocky outcrops, exposed moorland, muddy sections in winter.
- Wind: The ridge is very exposed to wind.
- Rocks: Crags are slippery when wet — stay clear of the edges.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Intermediate walkers
- Fit beginners
- Anyone wanting the classic Moors ridge
- Cleveland Way section walkers
Not ideal for
- Very windy days — the ridge is fully exposed
- Beginners on wet days — the crags and moorland need care
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Parking: Clay Bank car park (main) with limited roadside parking nearby.
- Facilities: None at Clay Bank — nearest in Helmsley or Stokesley.
- Transport: Limited — best reached by car.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer OL26. The Cleveland Way is well-waymarked; a GPX helps on the moorland sections in cloud.
⭐ MX Summary: Clay Bank and the Wainstones offer one of the best ridge walks in the North York Moors — steep climbs, rocky outcrops, and huge moorland views. A key Cleveland Way highlight.