- On trail 9.4 mi 15.1 km
- Walking time 4–5 h
- Ascent 250 m 800 ft
- Descent 370 m 1,200 ft
- Difficulty Moderate
The roof of the North York Moors, then the remotest ground on the Way.
Section 4: Clay Bank Top to Kildale map
Cross-check: National Trails route description . Opened 29 October 2026. The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends. The route page's miles stay in the answers below.
The walk
One steep climb from Clay Bank lifts you onto Urra Moor, at 454 m the highest point of the North York Moors. Then the heather goes on and on. Two old stones by the path are carved, one with a hand and one with a face. An old railway line leads past Blowarth Crossing, the remotest point on the trail, and down to Kildale.
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Start of section
Clay Bank Top
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Urra Moor
The highest point on the North York Moors, 454 m (1,489 ft), on Round Hill. Broad heather in every direction.
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The carved stones
Two old moorland markers by the path, one carved with a hand and one with a face. Easy to walk past without noticing.
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Food and a station
Kildale
The first village since Osmotherley, with beds and a station on the line to Whitby and Middlesbrough. The fast plans sleep here.
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End of section
Kildale
Section 4: Clay Bank Top to Kildale overview
The ground
- High moor
- Old railway
- Remote
One climb, then high open moor. Exposure, not gradient, is the test. Less up and down than the Cleveland Hills before it, but higher and emptier. The woods and Roseberry Topping, next, are more sheltered.
Stops
Refreshments
- Kildale (nothing on the moor before it)
Toilets
- Kildale station
Before you go
Opposite direction
Kildale to Clay Bank Top
Out of Kildale the old railway climbs gently onto the moor, and Urra Moor's top comes near the end. The steep drop to Clay Bank finishes it. The night is at Clay Bank Huts, a short way off the path.
End of section
Clay Bank Top
Clay Bank Top to Kildale FAQ
How long is Clay Bank Top to Kildale?
The route page lists 9.3 miles (15 km). The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
Is it hard to navigate?
In clear weather the path is easy to follow. In mist the open moor is disorientating, so carry a map or GPS, and take the Cleveland Way out of Clay Bank Top rather than the bridleway beside it.
Can I download a GPX for Clay Bank Top to Kildale?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Inside Day 4 of the 9-day, which goes on to Newton under Roseberry. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 9-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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