Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse

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.