Cleveland Way Day 1 - Helmsley to Sutton Bank

A wet and dreary Helmsley greeted us for the start of our next long distance walk. This was to be the first (and possibly only) LDW that we intended to do in individual stages with only limited stop-overs. The reason being that it's very local to where we live, so is easily undertaken by the use of two cars from home. Plus we have another long distance walk planned for the summer already and this could be easily fitted in around that bigger one. The Lord Feversham monument can't be missed in the centre of the square.

The official start to the Cleveland Way at the Market Cross on Helmsley's main square.

Church of All Saints, Helmsley.

We chose to make this our selfie spot to commemorate the commencement of our walk proper. It's an actual carved seat with Cleveland Way inscribed and it's just as you leave the town and is also adjacent to the long stay car park.

Right, were on our way - quite a familiar path for me actually as I've trodden this initial route a fair few times over the years so navigation shouldn't be a problem for once.

As the drizzle eased, we were confident that we may just get a nice weather walking day again. However, as we have had an exceptionally wet March, the path underfoot was extremely muddy and slippery.

Passing Griff Lodge.

The sun was out now and we enjoyed the dryness of the very quiet country lane as we approached Rievaulx Bridge.

Before crossing the bridge over the River Rye, we decided to briefly turn right and have a closer look at the impressive Rievaulx Abbey.

Rievaulx Abbey and Terrace (1132) - As it's a fairly local spot for us, we have already visited the Abbey many times before, especially in our younger years, but any walkers who have time to spare should pay it a visit as it's a superb spot to spend and hour or so wandering around or enjoying a picnic.

These Fishing lakes have certainly been tidied up - the last time I was here they were really a bit of a mess, but now they look really clean and tidy. Not sure if that chap is awake or asleep ?

Stepping stones were a welcome feature to cross the small brook.

We may be wrong? but our best guess was Archery ?

Heading uphill into the woodland - and yes, a slippery muddy path all the way.

Looking back at the uphill obstacles and scene of a few slips and slides as we try and avoid going home in muddy clothing. We survived the embarrassment of a fall, but only just it has to be said.

Approaching the very quiet and peaceful Cold Kirby where we had our lunch on a village bench. Goose Eggs were for sale via an honesty box - Never had a goose egg before, but the thought of trying to get half a dozen to the end of the walk without further mishap made it a bit too risky.

After more muddy field walking we arrived at the busy A170 and decided to turn left towards the glider club. This is a slight and brief deviation from the Cleveland Way, but is a far better way to do it. The official path takes you to the White Horse and back, this way takes you to the white horse via a quiet country land and then back via the main path. Thus making it a circular rather than an 'out and back'. So in years to come when this becomes the official route, you will have me to thank.

A bit overcast when we arrived, but there were still a few gliders coming and going.

Walking along the top of the White Horse with views over to the picturesque village of Kilburn in the distance.

A side view of the chalk horse - crafted by local schoolchildren from Kilburn under the tutelage of their schoolmaster in 1857. Looking at the gradient of the slope, Health and Safety was obviously viewed slightly differently in those days.

You can't really get a good view of the horse from the path above it - So here's what it looks like from distance.

Just as when we had started todays walk, the rain re-appeared whilst we walked back along the Roulston Scar cliffs and close to the nearby Hill Fort. Well, not too bad today really, as we managed to get most the walk done in dry mild conditions albeit a tad muddy. So that's the end of the first section of our own local 'Cleveland Way'. More to follow soon.