"National Trails
are the official routes selected by England's Countryside Agency, the
Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage to offer some of the
best walking, riding and cycling experiences in Britain.
The 15 trails in England
and Wales, and 4 routes in Scotland, provide over 2000
quality miles of maintained paths crossing some of the finest countryside with
spectacular views.
National Trails are
the best way of getting to know the real outdoor Britain- prepare to
be welcomed by local people and inspired by the stunning, varied scenery and
enchanted by the legacy of the nation's heritage."
"The Cleveland
Way traveller will come across an astonishing amount of historical
sites and landscapes as they journey along the National Trail.
High on the moors the
shapes of stone and bronze age burial sites can still be seen.
Along the coast are the sites of the Roman signal stations. These watchtowers sent
signals by smoke or beacon to warn against enemies approaching from the sea.
There is a wealth of
Abbeys and Castles along the Way. Within the first few miles
alone you will have passed Helmsley Castle and the incredible ruins of the 800 year
old Rievaulx Abbey.
You will follow in
some places ancient routes, including the Hambleton Drove Road
along which Scottish Drovers brought their cattle through to various markets as far
south as London.
As you stand on top
of the moors surveying the wild and tranquil moorland
landscape, you may find it hard to believe that these moors also hold an industrial
past. In fact the most remote point on the Cleveland Way at Blowarth Crossing
marks the junction of an old road and a former railway, bringing ironstone mined out
of the moors to feed the blast furnaces of Teeside and Durham. Alum - for fixing Dye-
and Jet - for jewellery- were also mined along the moors and coast.
The coastal villages
also have tales to tell. In the 18th Century smuggling was a
profitable business along the Yorkshire coast, the fishing villages provided ideal
landing spots for illicit cargo. The premium illegal trade was in tea, spirits, salt and
lace.
Along the Way you will
be reminded of one of the regions most famous sons, the
explorer Captain James Cook. The young James Cook went to school in Great Ayton
and grew up in the shadow of Roseberry Topping. Memories of Captain Cook are
also found in Staithes and also at Whitby from where he first set sail in 1747 and
from where as a Royal Navy Officer he had his famous ships, Endeavour,
Resolution, Discovery and Adventure built".
