The Finest View in England - Sutton Bank, North York Moors
This gentle stroll takes you on a short route atop the picturesque hills of the North York Moors, to the viewpoint that gained its title from famous veterinary surgeon and author, James Herriot.
Details
Length: 0.8 miles (1.27km)
Terrain: Mostly pressed gravel and woodland floor, with areas of tarmac.
Difficulty: Easy
About
Beginning at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre car park, you set off on a tarmac path that runs around the visitors centre. Follow the signs for the “finest view in England”, and you will get to a small road that you will need to cross. Once across, you will be on a pressed-gravel track that leads you through a small area of woodland. Following the path, you will make it to the viewpoint, where there is a lookout to enjoy the stunning countryside views from. This lookout is made from non-slip decking, and has ramps up both sides and a bench in front if you want to take a seat.
To get back to the car park you can either continue on along the circular track, or return the way you came.
Reaching New Heights
James Herriot said it was the finest view in England, and he’s certainly not wrong! At almost 300 metres above sea level, on a clear day you can see for miles!
How To Get There
Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2EH
Coordinates: 54.24086084552403, -1.2092960035889786
Sutton Bank National Park Centre is located 6 miles east of Thirsk, at the top of Sutton Bank on the A170. At the time of writing this, the spacious car park is “Pay and Display” and there are 8 allocated disabled parking bays close to the visitors centre entrance.
Alternative Walking Route - Yorkshire Gliders Club
Details
Length: 3 miles (5km)
Terrain: Chalk path (bumpier than it looks), with some small areas of pressed gravel and tarmac.
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
About
If you’re after a more substantial walking route, this might be the one for you!
Starting at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre car park, this linear walking route takes you 1.5 miles south, to the head of the White Horse Of Kilburn (although, if you are visiting to see the horse, we’d advise you to park in the car park below it, as you’ll have a much better view!)
The path takes you from the car park along the edge of Roulstan Scar, where you’ll get those same spectacular views that the above viewpoint gives you, with plenty of benches to stop and enjoy it from.
Although this route is doable in a wheelchair, be prepared for a bumpy ride! The path is full of lumps and bumps that aren’t noticeable to people who walk, but I felt every one of them in my wheelchair. Despite this, we thoroughly enjoyed this hike. The views really are spectacular, and going alongside the gliders club means that you get to see them up close, taking off and landing - which is fascinating!
Caution: At the start and end of this walk you are required to cross the A170. This is a very fast-moving road, so please do take care.
