Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey

The walk starts from the Cleveland Way car park in Helmsley and makes a circuit. The Cleveland Way, which starts here, heads west through fields and woods above the River Rye, and comes down to the road at Rievaulx Bridge. A quiet lane leads north to the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, founded by Cistercian monks in 1132, and on through the village. The route climbs Rievaulx Bank and takes a concessionary path past Rievaulx Terrace to the B1257, then crosses the road and follows a track south past Griff Farm. It rejoins the Cleveland Way and follows the outward path back to Helmsley.

It is 10.6 km with 222 m of ascent; allow about 3¼ hours. The grade is Moderate: it is easy walking on good paths, with one steady climb up Rievaulx Bank.

The path past the Terrace is concessionary and is open only when Rievaulx Terrace is open; at other times come back the way you went. The National Park asks for dogs to be under control and on a short lead near livestock. Do not walk along the B1257, which is busy. Entry to the abbey (English Heritage) and to the Terrace (National Trust) is charged.

The car park is run by North Yorkshire Council and costs £4.40 for three hours or £7.30 for six; there are toilets. There is no station nearby.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.