Attractions and places to see around Cotcliffe include a mix of natural landscapes, historical sites, and local amenities within North Yorkshire. The area features a reservoir surrounded by moorland and woodlands, offering opportunities for walks and views. Visitors can explore a historic village with a medieval cross, serving as a gateway to national trails. The region also provides access to challenging trails and serene historical chapels.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Cotcliffe.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Stayed at one of the local pubs, was good but their internet connection was non-existent, had to pay for a 24hr hotspot with EE
0
0
Serene spot with several benches where you can have a quick pit stop or picnic. Just north of the chapel, where you rejoin the public footpath, there are sweeping views of the countryside to the west.
1
0
Easy parking (ice cream van in summer!) at Sheep Wash, great path through the coniferous wood running along the southern edge of the reservoir, awesome views, cool breeze across the water, option to follow numerous tracks east into the woods around Cote Garth and Golden Square. Lots of familys, dog walkers and hikers - something for everyone here.
1
0
Quintessential North Yorkshire village, very picturesque with good amenities and access points to the northwest of the NYM National Park. However, can be very congested with cars so parking is difficult. Drive north and park at Cod Beck Reservoir, then add Osmotherley to your hiking route. Lots of roads and public footpaths to choose from.
1
0
Nice stop on an arduous Boltby loop, Ted the dog is the best host!
0
0
This charming café and farm offers lovely local cuisine and a variety of seasonal produce for sale. The vegetables featured on the menu are cultivated in the on-site poly tunnel, and everything else is sourced as sustainably as possible. Accessible only by foot, bike, or horse, the whole farm exudes a lovely sense of seclusion. It's the perfect place to stop and fuel up on a long walk.
1
0
Lady Chapel (or The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace) is a place of Marian devotion and pilgrimage. For many centuries, Christians have visited this chapel on a Sunday nearest the Feast of the Assumption, which is on 15 August. The chapel's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's known that it dates to the late 14th century.
1
0
The area around Cotcliffe is rich in natural beauty. A prominent feature is Cod Beck Reservoir, a man-made lake surrounded by SSSI moorland and woodlands, offering a pleasant 1.5-mile walk around its edge. You can also find numerous viewpoints, such as those near Lady Chapel, providing sweeping views of the countryside.
Yes, Cotcliffe offers several historical and cultural points of interest. The Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross is a significant historical site, where the cross has served as a meeting and preaching place for centuries. Additionally, the Lady Chapel (Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace) is a historic religious building dating back to the late 14th century, known for Marian devotion and pilgrimage.
Cotcliffe is an excellent base for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking around Cod Beck Reservoir or embark on more challenging routes like the Cleveland Way National Trail, accessible from Osmotherley. For cyclists, the area offers diverse terrain, including challenging climbs like Scarth Nick Climb. There are also numerous gravel biking and mountain biking routes available, such as the 'Osmotherley South End Climb – Cod Beck Reservoir loop' or 'Hambleton to Noon Hill loop' in the North York Moors National Park. You can find more details on these routes in the gravel biking guide and MTB trails guide for Cotcliffe.
Yes, Cotcliffe offers several options suitable for families. The walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering a gentle 1.5-mile loop through woodlands. The village of Osmotherley, with its Village Green and Medieval Cross, provides a pleasant setting for a stroll and has amenities like a café and toilets. For a unique experience, families can visit High Paradise Farm Tearoom, a traditional hill farm that serves food and snacks.
For refreshments, the High Paradise Farm Tearoom is a popular choice, located on a 16th-century hill farm and serving hot and cold food made with local produce. In Osmotherley village, near the Medieval Cross, you'll find a café and a pub, offering excellent options for a stopover to refuel.
For an easy and scenic walk, the 1.5-mile loop around Cod Beck Reservoir is highly recommended. It's suitable for all types of walkers and offers beautiful views of the surrounding moorland and woodlands. The path to Lady Chapel also involves a gentle climb up an unsurfaced lane, leading to a peaceful spot with nice views, making it a good option for a less strenuous outing.
While specific seasonal weather patterns for Cotcliffe are not detailed, North Yorkshire generally offers pleasant conditions for hiking and outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter walks are possible, but trails can be wet or icy, especially on challenging routes like Scarth Nick Climb, where corners can be greasy.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the area around Cotcliffe does not disappoint. Scarth Nick Climb is renowned as one of Yorkshire's top 100 climbs, featuring steep descents and a challenging hairpin bend. The Cleveland Way National Trail, accessible from Osmotherley, also offers demanding hill walking routes. For mountain bikers, routes like the 'Hambleton to Noon Hill loop' are rated as difficult.
Osmotherley is a small, picturesque village that serves as a hub for visitors. It offers essential amenities including a café, a pub, and public toilets. It's also a key access point for national trails like the Cleveland Way, making it a convenient stop for hikers. Parking can be difficult in the village itself, so some visitors opt to park at Cod Beck Reservoir and incorporate Osmotherley into their hiking route.
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is often praised for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. The charm of Osmotherley village, with its historic Medieval Cross and good amenities, is also a highlight. Many enjoy the rustic retreat and local produce offered at High Paradise Farm Tearoom, and the serene, historical setting of Lady Chapel with its sweeping views.
Yes, several spots provide excellent views. The area around Lady Chapel offers sweeping views of the countryside to the west, with benches available for a peaceful stop. Additionally, challenging trails like Scarth Nick Climb are known for their viewpoints, rewarding efforts with expansive vistas.
While specific accommodation options are not detailed for Cotcliffe itself, the nearby High Paradise Farm offers camping and self-catering accommodation, in addition to its tearoom. The broader North Yorkshire area, including nearby villages and towns, would provide a range of lodging choices.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: