Best attractions and places to see around East Harlsey, a village in North Yorkshire, include historical landmarks and natural features. The area offers views of the Hambleton Hills and provides access to the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Visitors can explore a blend of cultural sites and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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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
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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.
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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.
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If Cringle End is your destination, approach from Lordstones Country Park to the west, the gradient is more forgiving and the path is relatively straight. If you crest Cringle Moor from the east you will find the ascent comprises vicious sections of very twisty stone path with much steeper gradient, according to the elevation profile on Komoot, up to and over 33%. Quite punishing if you already have already covered a lot of miles and ascent.
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More spectacular views. The approach from the west is easier with a more gentle incline than the approach from the east, which involves a series of twisting turning steep steps, good safe footing but hard going both up and down.
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Carlton Bank is 408 m (1,339 ft), The summit provides extensive views of Teesside.
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East Harlsey offers access to several stunning natural features and viewpoints. You can visit Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, which provides extensive moorland views, including Roseberry Topping and the North York Moors. Another popular spot is Cod Beck Reservoir, a tranquil man-made reservoir surrounded by moorland and woodlands, perfect for a walk. The village also provides lovely views across to the Hambleton Hills.
Yes, the area is rich in history. Within the parish boundary, you'll find Mount Grace Priory, a well-preserved Carthusian priory owned by English Heritage, offering insights into monastic life. Additionally, Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross is a historical site where the medieval cross has served as a meeting and preaching place for centuries. St Oswald's Church, dating back to Norman times, is also a notable Grade II* listed building in the village.
East Harlsey is an excellent base for outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Cod Beck Reservoir – High Paradise Farm Tearoom loop from Osmotherley' or the 'Thimbleby Singletrack Trail – Cod Beck Reservoir loop from Osmotherley'. Mountain bikers can tackle trails such as 'Hambleton to Noon Hill loop' or 'Osmotherley South End Climb – Cod Beck Reservoir loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Cycling around East Harlsey and MTB Trails around East Harlsey guide pages.
Absolutely. Cod Beck Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant 1.5-mile walk around its edge through woodlands and moorland. Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross is also family-friendly, providing a charming village setting with amenities. The proximity to the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales also means numerous opportunities for family walks and exploration.
For those seeking a challenge, Cringle End Summit offers a category 4 climb with sections reaching a 29% gradient, leading to the Carlton Bank DH Track. Another demanding route is the Scarth Nick Climb, known as one of Yorkshire's top 100 climbs, featuring a challenging descent with a steep hairpin turn. These trails offer rewarding views for those who tackle them.
The village of Osmotherley, near Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross, offers a cafe, pub, and public toilets. Visitors often praise the excellent cheese scones and espresso available there. In East Harlsey itself, The Cat and Bagpipes Public House is an imposing establishment at the west end of the village. Terry's Fish & Chips van also visits East Harlsey on Tuesdays.
Visitors particularly appreciate the breathtaking views from spots like Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, which offers extensive vistas of Teesside and the North York Moors. The tranquil beauty of Cod Beck Reservoir, with its surrounding moorland and woodlands, is also highly rated for walks. The picturesque setting and amenities of Osmotherley Village Green are also a favorite among the komoot community.
Yes, a booklet detailing 'East Harlsey Walks' is available, suggesting various routes across fields for both residents and visitors. The area is also ideally situated close to the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, offering countless opportunities for walks. For a specific trail, the 1.5-mile walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is a popular choice, passing through a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's natural beauty, including the Hambleton Hills and proximity to the North York Moors, suggests that spring, summer, and early autumn are ideal for outdoor activities. During these seasons, the weather is generally more favorable for walking, cycling, and enjoying the scenic viewpoints. Winter can offer stark beauty but may present more challenging conditions for some trails.
Parking can be found near some attractions. For instance, Osmotherley Village Green has parking available, though it can be congested. A tip suggests driving north from Osmotherley and parking at Cod Beck Reservoir, then incorporating Osmotherley into your hiking route to avoid parking difficulties in the village itself.
Gravel biking is a popular activity in the area, with routes like the 'Osmotherley South End Climb – Cod Beck Reservoir loop' and the 'Scarth Nick Climb – Holy Cross Church, Swainby loop from Faceby'. These routes offer a mix of terrain suitable for gravel bikes. You can find more detailed routes and information on the Gravel biking around East Harlsey guide page.


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