Wainstones, Cold Moor & Urra Moor loop — North York Moors National Park

Embark on the Wainstones, Cold Moor & Urra Moor loop for a moderate hike through the dramatic landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. This 8.2-mile (13.3 km) route, typically taking around 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete, features a significant 1531 feet (467 metres) of elevation gain. You will traverse varied terrain, from established moorland pathways and grassy footpaths to rocky sections and potentially boggy heather on Cold Moor and Urra Moor. The trail offers superb panoramic views over the surrounding plain, stretching towards Middlesbrough and Roseberry Topping, and into valleys like Bilsdale and Raisdale, with the prominent sandstone crags of The Wainstones serving as a striking visual anchor.

Planning your visit requires you to be prepared for mixed conditions. The terrain can be rocky in places, and sections through the heather on Cold Moor and Urra Moor may be wet and boggy, even during summer months. While the trail is generally considered moderate, it includes several steep ascents and descents, particularly around The Wainstones and Hasty Bank. Always wear appropriate outdoor clothing and suitable walking shoes or boots, as visibility can sometimes be poor and conditions can change quickly in the North York Moors.

This loop takes you to Urra Moor, the highest point in the North York Moors at 1490 feet (454 metres), where you can find a trig point and prehistoric remains like Billy's Dyke. You will also encounter The Wainstones, impressive sandstone crags popular with climbers, which hold ancient human history including Bronze Age carvings. The route follows a significant portion of the well-maintained Cleveland Way, and on Cold Moor, you can explore the Bronze Age burial mounds known as the “Three Howes.”