A SUPERB Osmotherley Circular Walk via Cod Beck Reservoir on the Cleveland Way
This is a nice little circular walk from Osmotherley on varied terrain, with some excellent views. It’s nearly 5 miles so may take about 2 hours and whilst most of it is fairly flat – there is an uphill section for about 300m. I’d say it’s suitable for kids 7+. The walk starts and finishes in Osmotherley in North Yorkshire, which is a lovely little village (with good pubs :-), and whilst you feel like you are smack bang in the countryside, Osmotherley is only 5 minutes off the A19 so is really accessible by car for those from nearby Teesside.
Most visitors to this area simply come to have a stroll around Cod Beck Reservoir, but this walk is a good way to add a bit more distance to your walk and escape the crowds if it’s a weekend. If you are unfamiliar with the area, stumbled across this blog post and just want to just visit Cod Beck Reservoir – then you can park at the northern end of Cod Beck Reservoir in a fairly large free car park, and from there you can walk around the reservoir on a clearly marked and flat path. This route around Cod Beck Reservoir is perfect for smaller kids and even pushchairs!
Osmotherley walk overview:
WALK OVERVIEW:
DISTANCE: 4.67 miles
TIME: 1.5-2 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 563ft
DIFFICULTY: EASY

Osmotherley walk map route:
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PHotos of what to expect on this Osmotherley Circular Walk: |
As soon as you leave the road in the village and get on the Cleveland Way path you get some excellent views over Osmotherley and the surrounding area. |
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The path at the start of this walk on the Cleveland Way is clear and you can’t go wrong really as there are plenty of signs. This section is also part of the Coast to Coast walking route. |
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The start of the walk on the Cleveland Way is pretty flat and you’ll walk along the edge of a couple of fields (that might have cow’s in them on occasions |
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This part of the walk is the most strenuous as it’s uphill for about 300m or so here
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The views at the top of the little uphill walk are quite impressive all the way down the Vale of York! The A19 is down there somewhere although you wouldn’t think it |
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In spring & summer you’ll see lots of Foxglove flowers on this walk – adding a splash of colour |
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Skirting around the edge of Arncliffe Wood |
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Approaching the Osmotherley TV Sub Station which looks a little out of place up here. I often wondered what this was up here as you can see it from the car when driving past on the A19 |
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This section is a bit sheltered and out any wind. |
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We stay on the Cleveland Way and the views start to open out a bit more again, with Rosberry Topping visible in the far distance. |
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Now we are walking on the open moor land on the Cleveland Way and the views are great up here |
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A lone tree – you can feel like you are away from it all on this walk – nice bit of peace & quiet 😉 |
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The path is very clear on the Cleveland Way and it’s like walking on pavement |
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This where we leave the Cleveland Way path from Osmotherley, and instead head towards towards Scarth Gap and onto Cod Beck Reservior. |
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At this point this walking route leaves the Cleveland Way and heads for Cod Beck Reservoir, this path will eventually follow the road.
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The little stream called Cod Beck, with the path leading to the Reservoir |
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It’s usually nice and quiet on this walk – but can get busy in good summer weather around the reservoir |
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Walking through the pinewoods towards Cod Beck Reservoir |
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A nice little path through the woodland where you will glimpse Cod Beck Reservoir |
Love this section of the walk as you approach Cod Beck reservoir |
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Cod Beck Reservoir comes into full view! |
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The path goes all around Cod Beck Reservoir and is very accessible and you can see why the Reservoir is quite a popular place to come too. Many people just have a walk around the Cod beck Reservoir for a leisurely stroll. |
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Looking back over Cod Beck Reservoir before this walking route joins the minor road where it’s a leisurely walk back to the car. |
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Back to the car. There’s plenty of space on the street to park the car for free here right where the Cleveland Way footpath from Osmotherley starts. At the end of one of my most enjoyable shortish walks, Osmotherley has some great pubs and a fish & chip shop – so if you have the time – hang around and make the most of the place! |
Interactive osmotherley map route:
So there you go – another blog post wrapped up. For anyone who lives in the Teesside / North Yorkshire area (like me!) – this is an excellent little walk and one to return to again and again when in need of some fresh air to clear the cob webs! I hope you have found the blog post useful and it inspires you to pay Osmotherley a visit.
Where is Osmotherley?
Osmotherley is a picturesque village in North Yorkshire, England. It lies on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, approximately 10 miles north of the town of Northallerton. The village is situated in a scenic area surrounded by natural beauty, making it a popular destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What is Osmotherley known for?
Osmotherley is known for its stunning countryside, traditional stone cottages, and proximity to the North York Moors. It is a popular starting point for hikes, including the famous Cleveland Way, a long-distance trail that offers breathtaking views of the moors and coastline. Osmotherley is also a gateway to historical sites such as the ruins of the medieval Rievaulx Abbey, as well as a vibrant village community with cozy pubs, cafes, and independent shops.
Is Osmotherley a good place to visit?
Yes! Osmotherley is a fantastic destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy exploring charming villages, Osmotherley offers plenty to do. The village is a great base for walking and cycling, with numerous trails starting from the village itself. Additionally, the local pubs offer excellent food and drink, making it a welcoming stop for visitors. The surrounding landscapes, including waterfalls, woodlands, and moorland, make Osmotherley an ideal spot for outdoor adventures.
What can I do in Osmotherley?
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Osmotherley, including:
- Hiking & Walking: Osmotherley is located along several long-distance walking trails, such as the Cleveland Way and the Lyke Wake Walk. The village is a great spot to start exploring the North York Moors.
- Cycling: The surrounding countryside offers fantastic cycling routes with a variety of terrains.
- Visit Local Pubs: Osmotherley has a few traditional Yorkshire pubs where you can relax and enjoy local ales and hearty food.
- Explore Local History: You can visit nearby historical sites such as Rievaulx Abbey and Mount Grace Priory.
- Relax and Unwind: With its tranquil setting, Osmotherley is a perfect place to enjoy a quiet retreat.
How do I get to Osmotherley?
Osmotherley is accessible by car and public transport:
- By Car: Osmotherley is well-served by roads, and very close to the A19. The A684, which links to major routes in North Yorkshire. It is about a 10-minute drive from Northallerton and a 40-minute drive from the historic city of York.
- By Train: The nearest train station is in Northallerton, which is around 10 miles away from Osmotherley. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the village.
- By Bus: Regular bus services connect Osmotherley with surrounding towns like Northallerton and Thirsk. The local buses offer a convenient way to get to the village without a car.