LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

We drove from the campsite at Wombleton to Sutton Bank within the Hambleton Hills. We parked in the car park by the Visitor Centre at the top of Sutton Bank, crossed the road very carefully and walked along the Cleveland Way towards the 'White Horse'. It was easy walking with excellent views across the Vale of York to the Yorkshire Dales on the right and a glider field on the left. The footpath frequently twisted and turned along the escarpment, allowing the views to open up. We watched a glider taxi ready for take-off, on the left as several rain clouds slowly travelled south along the vale on the right. We waited for a while above Roulston Scar by the winch as a glider took to the skies and its cable end fell sharply to the ground, not far from us. We continued past Roulston Scar, past the top of the White Horse, to the steps to a car park, but being so close the Horse could not be distinguished. We continued down the uneven steps using the handrail, to the car park where the Horse could be seen without a head. We crossed the top of the car park to the path through the trees at the base of the cliffs, to a shaded track with only the very occasional glimpse of Roulston Scar. Taking care to choose the correct path through to the road, Den and Ken took a right fork climbing steeply to the rim near Sutton Bank. Laz and I continued as per the described route to the road, which was a very steep and dangerous ascent on the road. We returned to the Visitor Centre where we soon teamed up with Ken and Den. A very good day on the hills was enjoyed by us all.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Start & Finish: Visitor Centre Car Park at Sutton Bank

Some steep sections, not recommended for the young or the elderly.