Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Yorkshire Walking Trail

The Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey walking trail is a beautiful, scenic route in North Yorkshire, known for its natural beauty and historic significance. This walk is about 3 miles (5 km) one way, following well-maintained paths through the picturesque countryside.

Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Yorkshire Walking Trail

Starting in the charming market town of Helmsley, the trail passes through the lush Duncombe Park estate, with its sprawling woodlands and meadows. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the River Rye and the rolling hills of the North York Moors.

The walk culminates at the impressive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in a tranquil valley. The abbey's peaceful atmosphere and rich history make it a rewarding destination at the end of the hike. The trail is suitable for most walkers, with some gentle inclines, and can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace.

Trail Details

Distance

6-8 Miles (9.7 to 12.9 km) short or long version.

This is an almost circular route through the site of the medieval village of Griff, and Rievaulx village. The short version is a direct route there and back whereas the longer route features a loop.

Skill

Moderate to difficult

There is a ravine with a steep ascent and there are some steady hills on the route. Most people can accomplish this walk unless you have mobility issues.

Route

The route is very easy to follow with excellent signage. It can also be accomplished in winter months with care.

Please take extra care when crossing the B1257 Stokesley Road.

Follow our checkpoint guide found below for more details.

 

Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Walking Route

  • Cleveland Way Car Park

    1. Starting at Cleveland Way Car Park

    If you are travelling by car, it is best to park at the Cleveland Way Car Park. However, you may prefer to park in the Market Place.

    Adjacent from the car park is the beginning of the trail for the Cleveland Way. Follow this trail slightly uphill.

  • Farmers Gate Helmsley to Reivaulx

    2. Go through the Gate

    As you head uphill, go through the gates and follow the cobbled route.

    Ensure you close the gates and keep your dog(s) on a leash as there are livestock in the area.

  • Path to Rievaulx

    3. Follow the Path to the Left

    At the brow of the hill, the path bends to the left hand side. Keep following this route towards Blackdale Howl Wood. The path then turns right. Do not go through the gate heading downhill as this is private.

  • Howardian Hills towards Rievaulx

    4. Follow the Path to the Wood

    Blackdale Howl Wood is on your left with some dry stone walling. Keep following this trail until you reach the entrance to the wood on the left.

  • Ravine towards Griff Lodge

    5. Cross the Ravine

    The most challenging part of this trail is heading down hill in Blackdale Howl Wood and climbing the steps at the other side. This crosses a ravine and can be quite steep and muddy. Please take care here and don’t hesitate to take a break if you require one.

  • Path to Griff Lodge

    6. Follow the path to Griff Lodge

    At the other end of the ravine, you can ascend the steps and follow the path to Griff Lodge. This takes you through a treelined route that is very scenic.

  • Griff Lodge

    7. Decision at Griff Lodge

    When you arrive at Griff Lodge, the site of a medieval village, you can either follow the narrow path that takes you directly to Rievaulx. Alternatively, you can turn right and extend your walk. In winter, it may be best to adhere closely to the direct route.

  • Public Right of Way to Rievaulx

    8. Follow the Markers

    Assuming you are doing the long version, turn right at the lodge and follow the track around the corner until you reach a marker to walk along the edge of a field.

    Follow the field around to the right until you reach another marker through a gate into another field. Follow this field edge and go through the farmers gate.

  • Griff Farm

    9. Walk Towards Griff Farm

    Go through the farmers gate and follow the track towards Griff Farm (that is now on your right hand side). At the farm, turn left and follow the track to the road.

  • Route to the B1257

    10. Cross the Road to the B1257

    When you reach the road, cross over it and follow the public right of way to the B1257 nearby.

    This is the Stokesley Road from Helmsley and we carefully cross this to the opposite side. Turning left and following the road Stokesley direction, walk along the grass verge until you reach the turn off for Rievaulx on your left.

  • Rievaulx Abbey

    11. Descend Rievaulx Bank

    Descend downhill on Rievaulx Bank walking through the village and admiring the abbey ruins on the left hand side. Eventually you will see the River Rye on your right. Keep walking along the road until you reach the stone bridge.

    You can take a breather at the abbey where there are toilets and a cafe available.

  • Rievaulx Bridge

    12. Turn left at the Bridge

    Instead of crossing the stone bridge, turn left at the junction and follow the lane until you reach Quarry Hill Wood where you will see a signpost for Helmsley.

    Between the abbey and the bridge, look towards the top of the hill on your left. You will see two temples belonging to Rievaulx Terrace. These are the Tuscan Temple and the Ionic Temple.

  • Quarry Hill Wood Cleveland Way

    13 Follow this trail Back to Helmsley

    Turning right along the path through Quarry Hill Wood will take you all the way back to Helmsley on the Cleveland Way.

    This route is the narrow path we saw earlier at Griff Lodge. At Griff Lodge, simply follow the route back the way we came. This of course takes you through the ravine we encountered earlier!

    This ends our walk today!