The best walks and hikes around Great And Little Broughton

Embark on the Wainstones, Cold Moor & Urra Moor loop for a moderate hike through the dramatic landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. This 8.2-mile (13.3 km) route, typically taking around 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete, features a significant 1531 feet (467 metres) of elevation gain. You will traverse varied terrain, from established moorland pathways and grassy footpaths to rocky sections and potentially boggy heather on Cold Moor and Urra Moor. The trail offers superb panoramic views over the surrounding plain, stretching towards Middlesbrough and Roseberry Topping, and into valleys like Bilsdale and Raisdale, with the prominent sandstone crags of The Wainstones serving as a striking visual anchor.

Planning your visit requires you to be prepared for mixed conditions. The terrain can be rocky in places, and sections through the heather on Cold Moor and Urra Moor may be wet and boggy, even during summer months. While the trail is generally considered moderate, it includes several steep ascents and descents, particularly around The Wainstones and Hasty Bank. Always wear appropriate outdoor clothing and suitable walking shoes or boots, as visibility can sometimes be poor and conditions can change quickly in the North York Moors.

This loop takes you to Urra Moor, the highest point in the North York Moors at 1490 feet (454 metres), where you can find a trig point and prehistoric remains like Billy's Dyke. You will also encounter The Wainstones, impressive sandstone crags popular with climbers, which hold ancient human history including Bronze Age carvings. The route follows a significant portion of the well-maintained Cleveland Way, and on Cold Moor, you can explore the Bronze Age burial mounds known as the “Three Howes.”

Embark on the Ingleby Incline and Round Hill loop from Clay Bank, a moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) hike through the North York Moors National Park. This route takes you across varied terrain, from open moorland and fields to dense woodland, including sections of the Cleveland Way and old railway trackbeds. You will encounter the challenging Ingleby Incline, a steep ascent that leads to spectacular panoramic views of Bilsdale, Middlesbrough, Teesside, and even the distant coast. The trail's highest point, Round Hill, offers a sense of peace from the vast fells, making this a rewarding experience that typically takes around 3 hours and 34 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 1070 feet (326 metres).

This loop is considered a challenging yet rewarding experience, requiring a good level of fitness due to the significant climb up the Ingleby Incline. Be prepared for potentially boggy sections on the moorland tracks, so water-resistant walking boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety. It is also wise to carry adequate water, especially given the strenuous nature and duration of the hike. Sure-footedness is important, particularly when navigating the steep gradient of the incline.

The Ingleby Incline itself is a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering, once a self-acting railway built in the 1860s to connect ironstone mines with main railway lines. As you hike, look for carved benchmarks, initials, and figures like "Stovepipe Hat" and "Bird Man" in the rocks, left by the workers. Beyond the incline, you will find historical marker stones, such as the Face Stone and Hand Stone, near the summit of Urra Moor. The route also features Maiden Spring, a natural spot to refresh your water supply, adding to the unique character of this historic and scenic trail.

Embark on The Wainstones loop from Clay Bank, a moderate 4.2-mile (6.8 km) hike in the North York Moors National Park. This route features 919 feet (280 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. You will experience varied terrain, including rocky sections and grassy footpaths, with an initial steep climb up Hasty Bank. As you hike, you'll be treated to panoramic views across Teesside, including Middlesbrough and the North Sea, as well as undulating moorland and valley pastures.

This moderately challenging loop requires good fitness and sure-footedness, especially given the steep and sometimes eroded ascent up Hasty Bank. While the footpaths are generally clear, be prepared for potentially muddy or boggy areas, particularly after rain. The trail is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues due to its mixed terrain and significant climbs.

A highlight of the route is The Wainstones, impressive sandstone crags that are the largest rock outcrops in the North York Moors. These crags are popular with rock climbers and hold ancient secrets, including weathered Bronze Age carvings. A significant portion of your hike follows the Cleveland Way National Trail, offering expansive views and connecting you to a path shared by other famous routes like the Coast to Coast walk.