Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse
North Yorkshire
Sutton Bank rises 300 metres above the Vale of Mowbray on the western escarpment of the North York Moors, and this 4.8km circuit from the visitor centre takes in both the famous viewpoint and the Kilburn White Horse, a 96-metre chalk figure cut into the hillside in 1857. The route follows the Cleveland Way along the cliff edge with views that James Herriot called the finest in England, extending across the Vale of York to the Pennines, before dropping through woodland to view the White Horse from above and returning across open moorland. With 329 metres of ascent concentrated in the escarpment, this is a compact walk with genuine hill character.
This dog friendly walk offers moderate off-lead potential on the open moorland sections, though leads are needed near the cliff edge where drops are sheer and through areas where livestock grazes. The escarpment catches wind from the Vale and the views are dramatic in every season. The woodland sections provide shelter and scent interest on the descent, and the moorland carries heather and peat scent on the upper ground. Water sources are limited, so carry a supply. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre has a café and visitor facilities that welcome dogs outside. Parking is available at the centre. The nearby village of Kilburn, home to Robert Thompson's Mouseman workshop, has the Forresters Arms which welcomes dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Sutton Bank Visitor Centre café 'In the Wilde'; accessible toilets; White Horse car park free
- Parking
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre (YO7 2EH); £3.80 up to 2 hours, £6 over 2 hours; White Horse car park free
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse dog friendly?
Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse is a solid choice for a day out with your dog, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre has a café and visitor facilities that welcome dogs outside, and there's also the Forresters Arms in the nearby village of Kilburn if you fancy a post-walk drink. The mix of cliff-edge paths, woodland, and open moorland makes for a varied and interesting outing for dogs and owners alike.
Can dogs be off lead at Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse?
There's moderate off-lead potential on the open moorland sections of this walk, where dogs can roam more freely across heather and peat. However, leads are essential near the cliff edge , the drops along the escarpment are sheer , and in any areas where livestock is grazing. It's worth keeping a close eye on where you are on the route, as the transition between open and restricted sections can come fairly quickly.
What should I know before visiting Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is that water sources along the route are limited, so bring a good supply for your dog, especially on warmer days. This is also a genuinely hilly walk with 329 metres of ascent, so it's best suited to dogs that are comfortable with sustained climbing. Livestock grazes on the surrounding farmland, so leads will be needed in those sections, and the cliff edge along the Cleveland Way requires extra care , it's exposed and the drops are serious.
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