Walks
Sutton Bank to the White Horse of Kilburn
The finest view in England is the reason most people stop at Sutton Bank, and the walk along the top of the escarpment to the White Horse of Kilburn is the best way to earn it. A moderate circuit of around three miles from the National Park Centre, with the whole Vale of Mowbray falling away on one side and England's largest hill figure cut into the slope at the far end.
The view west from the Sutton Bank escarpment, which the walk follows for most of its length.
The route in outline
The walk starts at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre at the top of the bank and follows the escarpment south along the line of the Cleveland Way, which runs right along the top here, out to the White Horse on Roulston Scar and back. It is a moderate circuit of around three miles. I have deliberately not written it as a set of turns: this is a route I have not yet walked myself, and inventing navigation detail for an exposed escarpment would be the wrong kind of help. Carry the OS sheet, follow the waymarking on the ground, and give yourself daylight.
What you see along the way
The ground drops away almost immediately and the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York spread out below, with the Yorkshire Dales on the horizon on a clear day. It is the view James Herriot called the finest in England. The cliff edge is unfenced in places, so keep children and dogs close, and watch for the gliders of the Yorkshire Gliding Club riding the up-currents off the cliff face.
The White Horse itself
The horse is cut into the hillside on Roulston Scar, around 97 metres long, the largest and most northerly hill figure in England. It was made in 1857 by the local schoolmaster John Hodgson and his pupils, and because the rock here is grey rather than the white chalk of the southern horses, it has to be kept painted. One honest warning: it is easier to make out from a distance than from right on top of it.
The short option, if three miles is too far
A short wheelchair-accessible path runs from the visitor centre to the main viewpoint, where a view indicator names the landmarks and benches line the ridge. That alone gives you the view, with no gradient and no distance, and the centre has a tearoom, toilets, a shop and a natural play area for children. Admission is free and parking is pay and display.
The longer loop, if three miles is not enough
Three miles along the top, or eight taking in the lake below. The classic longer circuit drops off the escarpment into the woods to Lake Gormire, one of the very few natural lakes in the North York Moors, and climbs back. It is a steeper and considerably longer day.
Sutton Bank to the White Horse: FAQs
How long is the walk to the White Horse of Kilburn?
From the Sutton Bank National Park Centre it is a moderate circuit of around three miles. There is also a longer loop of roughly eight miles that drops off the escarpment to take in Lake Gormire.
Where do you park for the White Horse walk?
At the Sutton Bank National Park Centre on the A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley, postcode YO7 2EH. Parking is pay and display; admission to the centre itself is free.
How big is the White Horse of Kilburn?
Around 97 metres long. It was cut in 1857 by the local schoolmaster John Hodgson and his pupils, and because the rock here is grey rather than chalk it has to be kept painted white.
Is there an easier option than the full circuit?
Yes. A short wheelchair-accessible path runs from the visitor centre to the main viewpoint, where a view indicator names the landmarks, and benches line the ridge. That alone gives you the view the walk is famous for.
Is the cliff edge fenced?
No, the edge is unfenced in places, so keep children and dogs close.