- On trail 10.9 mi 17.6 km
- Walking time 5–6 h
- Ascent 840 m 2,750 ft
- Descent 710 m 2,350 ft
- Difficulty Hard
Five moors in a row, and the Wainstones at the top of the last.
Section 3: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top map
Example stay Wainstones Hotel (opens in a new tab)
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
The hardest walking on the Cleveland Way, and one walker's favourite day. Five moors rise and fall in turn, each climb followed by a drop and another. Restored stone flags carry you over the heather, with views north over Teesside and south into the dales. The Wainstones, a jumble of sandstone blocks, crown the last top before the drop to Clay Bank.
-
Start of section
Osmotherley
-
Detour
Mount Grace Priory
The priory is within half a mile of the path as you leave Osmotherley. Worth an early start if you want to see it.
-
Lunch
Lord Stones
The café at Carlton Bank sits between the moors and is the only place to eat or fill up on this section. It also has camping and pods.
-
The Wainstones
Tumbled sandstone blocks on the last top before Clay Bank. Keep to the waymarked line through them rather than making new paths round the rocks.
-
End of section
Clay Bank Top
Section 3: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top overview
The ground
- Stone flags
- Moorland
- Steep climbs
Not long, but climb, descend, climb again. It feels longer than its miles. Urra Moor, next, is higher and more remote but gentler underfoot. Nothing else on the walk climbs this much in so few miles.
Stops
Refreshments
- Osmotherley
- Lord Stones café at Carlton Bank
Toilets
- The route page does not name a public toilet on this section
Before you go
Opposite direction
Clay Bank Top to Osmotherley
From Clay Bank the first climb goes straight up to the Wainstones. The five moors then roll west, with Lord Stones still the halfway stop. The drop off the last moor ends at the village pubs in Osmotherley.
End of section
Osmotherley
Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top FAQ
How long is Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top?
The route page lists 11 miles (18 km). The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
Where do I sleep at Clay Bank Top?
There is no bed at the top. Our plans use Clay Bank Huts, about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away, which offer a pick-up from Clay Bank Top. Great Broughton, about 2.5 miles (4 km) down the road, has hotels.
Can I download a GPX for Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top?
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
Used as Day 3 on the 9-day. 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.
Explore
