Helmsley Castle & Rievaulx Abbey loop
Helmsley Castle & Rievaulx Abbey loop
4.7
(49)
176
hikers
04:43
17.1km
280m
Hiking
Embark on the Helmsley Castle & Rievaulx Abbey loop, a moderate hike through the North York Moors National Park. This 10.6-mile (17.1 km) route features varied terrain, from well-trodden paths and woodland trails to country tracks and minor road sections. You will experience gentle climbs and descents, including some steeper…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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370 m
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
898 m
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
10.9 km
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
11.8 km
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
17.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.5 km
2.70 km
2.09 km
1.21 km
566 m
Surfaces
9.14 km
2.22 km
1.89 km
1.72 km
1.07 km
1.06 km
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 7 May
16°C
7°C
50 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
A very lovely ramble along the Cleveland Way starting in the chocolate box village of Helmsley. Mainly wooded trails led us to the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and the beautiful village with its thatched cottages. I recently read that there are no insects these days but i can confirm that green and black fly are in abundance on this walk! Which is good for the birds i guess.
Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey- North York Moors The North York moors is one of England’s best loved landscape. It takes its name from the spectacular moorland plateau at its heart. We start from the picturesque market town of Helmsley. The castle of Helmsley has 900 years history. «You won’t need to be told that Helmsley has a long and eventful history -you can practically feel it the moment you arrive» (Information: North York Moors national park). The initial walk is part of the long distance footpath Cleveland way (109 miles/175 klm). This path shows the best of North York Moors. We pass next to four beautiful lakes full of birds and ducks. There are also beautiful cottages scattered in the countryside. Along the way we meet the majestic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Once upon a time more than 600 monks used to live there, but only 21 monks were there when it closed. The walk last for 5-6 hours including the breaks and the distance is 15.7 klm. It is relatively flat walk.
Pleased with my girls hiking 8 miles no complaints not bad for 9 and 11