Overview
Distance: 7 miles; 11 km
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Map: OS Explorer OL26 North York Moors
Route: View in Google Maps
GPX File: Download GPX file (desktop only) – What is a GPX file?
Helmsley to Rievaulx (pronounced REE-voh) Abbey is a popular walk in the North York Moors. Helmsley is a bustling village and the start of the Cleveland Way – A 109-mile walking route to Filey.
It is reported that Rievaulx Abbey housed over 600 people at its peak.
Henry VIII wished to divorce Catherine of Aragon. The Pope refused to grant the divorce so Henry VIII set up the Church of England and started to dissolve monasteries across England. Rievaulx Abbey was suppressed in 1538 and left to decay.
Route
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Elevation
Car Park and Facilities
There are many free places to park in Hemsley if you’re willing to walk to the starting point of the Cleveland Way. The long-stay car park, located at the start of the Cleveland Way, address is
Cleveland Way Car Park
Helmsley
YO62 5AT
Car Park Prices
1 hour – £1.70
2 hours – £2.50
3 hours – £3.00
6 hours – £5.00
Over 6 hours – £6.00
There are public toilets in the Cleveland Way Car Park and there are toilets at Rievaulx Abbey. Helmsley has cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Start of the Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey walk
The walk from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey starts on the Cleveland Way. The road and footpath are well signposted in Helmsley.
Continue down the track next to the Cleveland Way Car Park.
Continue straight ahead down the Cleveland Way.
Turn left onto Ingdale Howl road. There is a path to follow alongside the road.
The footpath ends and you must walk along road.
Turn right just before the Rievaulx Bridge. The River Rye will be on your left-hand side.
You can see Rievaulx Abbey from the road.
The gradient is quite steep along this section of the walk.
Continue following the road until you reach the B1257. Turn right and cross the grass.
Continue through the wooden gate.
The path leads to Griff Farm. There is a public right of way so you’re ok to go through the farm. There are yellow arrows directing the way.
Follow the path to the right.
Turn left through the wooden gate.
Turn left again after the gate.
The route rejoins the Cleveland Way to Helmsley.
The path leads back to the Cleveland Way Car Park.
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