Guisborough Forest & Walkway to Highcliff Nab

A fantastic walk for couples, friends and families with slightly older children or very energetic and enthusiastic younger ones!

The walk starts at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, located only a few miles from Great Ayton when you travel on the A173 and takes you through beautiful forests and up onto the Cleveland Way and the North Yorkshire Moors National Park where you'll find Highcliff Nab and Hanging Stone, some fantastic natural local landmarks. You will be able to see Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping along the walk.

Take a picnic and explore!

Distance: 7.85 miles

Elevation Gain: 260m

Endurance: Moderate/High

Walk Info

• The circular walk starts at the Guisborough Forest & Walkway, goes around Hutton Village, then up to Highcliffe Nab, then drops down and reaches Hanging Stone, with a drop down back to the Guisborough Forest & Walkway. The route shows turning off before Hanging Stone but it is possible to scamble down from Hanging Stone and then to turn left to get back on the route.
• For more information about the Guisborough Forest & Walkway see https://www.forestryengland.uk/guisborough-forest

"On 25 Oct 2020 Just before my 71st birthday I wanted to complete and enjoy a walk with an interesting view. I chose to walk from the Guisborough Forest & Walkway at Pinchinthorpe up to Highcliff Nab and onto Hanging Stone. October 22nd 2020 seemed to be the perfect winter day to complete such a walk. I started off in 3 layers of clothes but removed the two top layers once we started to ascend. I felt warm enough until we hit Highcliff Nab where the wind speed rose, the temperature dropped and raindrops started falling. We, my wife Naoko & I, reached the top of Highcliff Nab, descended quickly and I put on two thick layers of clothes before I froze to death. We reached Hanging Stone and I thought about turning round to find an easier way down than descending from Hanging Stone. My wife convinced me to continue, and I only fell twice on the steep muddy slope. On returning to the cafe I tried their excellent flapjack, and I would highly recommended it." - Mike Newton

Author’s recommendation

• Excellent walk on a fine day! Wonderful views of Guisborough. Plenty of parking available.

Our greatest thanks go out to Mike Newton, our amazing contributor for Visit Great Ayton, for all the content and providing the YouTube video detailing the route of the walk.