SUTTON BANK – A PERFECT SPOT FOR SOME EPIC YORKSHIRE WALKS

Sutton Bank, perched on the edge of the North York Moors, is one of the most spectacular starting points for a walk in Yorkshire. Rising sharply above the Vale of Mowbray, it offers instant drama and sweeping views that make it a favourite with walkers, cyclists, and glider pilots alike. From the moment you step out onto the escarpment, you’re greeted by an immense panorama stretching across miles of farmland and moor, with the landscape dropping steeply away below. The area is well-served by footpaths and trails, including routes from the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, making it an ideal base for exploring both high moorland and wooded valleys. Two of the most popular destinations for a short walk  from Suttton Bank – is the iconic White horse to the south via the gliding school – or Gormire Lake and the views of Whitestone Cliff to the North.

Gormire Lake and Whitestone Cliff

One of the most striking sights from Sutton Bank is Gormire Lake, a small, mysterious natural lake nestled at the foot of Whitestone Cliff. Seen from above, Gormire Lake appears as a shimmering oval framed by ancient woodland, adding a touch of magic to the view. To the south, the towering limestone face of Whitestone Cliff itself dominates the scene above Gormire Lake, creating a dramatic backdrop that changes character with the light and weather and seasons. On a clear day, you can see for miles across North Yorkshire, while on misty mornings, Gormire Lake often peeks through a veil of fog — a truly atmospheric sight that has inspired legends for centuries. In the autumn the colours of the woodland surrounding Gormire  Lake are truly spectacular.

Gormire Lake as seen from the south just above the Cleveland Way footpath, with Whitestone Cliff to the left. It was James Herriot who spoke of this area having the “finest views in England”.

A SHORT WALK FROM SUTTON BANK VISITOR CENTRE VIA GORMIRE LAKE

I’ve walked many routes in this area, and one of my favourites that I return to time and again, usually around Autumn time, is this shortish 3 mile circular featured below. It starts at the elevated Sutton Bank Visitor Centre (Pay & Display parking , toilets and cafe), heads along the Cleveland Way, then decends to the shores of Gormire Lake itself, before heading back up to rejoin the elevated Cleveland Way path for the most epic viewpoint shown above. After admiring the views it’s a flat walk back to the start with sweeping views every step of the way. You can extend the walk by walking compltely around Gormire if you like!

SUTTON BANK & GORMIRE LAKE WALK MAP ROUTE

This is a short walk of 3 miles that goes in an anti-clockwise direction. There is a steepish descent down into the shores of Gormire which is well marked and has steps on occasions. The ascent is short yet steepish at around 700ft and can get muddy so walking boots are essential. You are rewarded with fine views once you get back on the Cleveland way, with a bench marking the spot where you might want to rest and soak in all those views shown at the top of the page! From theer it’s flat walk all the way back. get this route on your list and enjoy!

Gormire Lake from a different angle from above in Autumn – just look at those colours!

GORMIRE LAKE – INTERESTING FACTS

Gormire Lake is one of Yorkshire’s most intriguing natural spots — a small, mysterious tarn nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of Sutton Bank in the North York Moors National Park. Despite its modest size, it’s steeped in legend, geological interest, and quiet natural beauty. Here’s a mix of facts and folklore that make Gormire Lake so fascinating:

Natural Beauty & Location

• Gormire Lake sits at the foot of Sutton Bank, near the village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, and is surrounded by ancient woodland.

• It lies in a natural hollow formed by glacial action during the last Ice Age, making it one of the few natural lakes in Yorkshire (most others are man-made reservoirs).

• The lake has no visible inlet or outlet, which adds to its mystery — it’s fed by underground springs and rainfall.

• The area is part of the Cleveland Way National Trail, and you can enjoy stunning views of it from the top of Sutton Bank — a spot famously described by James Herriot  as “the finest view in England.”

Name & Origins

• “Gormire” is thought to come from the old Norse words “gur” (mud) and “mere” (lake) — literally meaning “muddy lake.”

• True to its name, the bottom is filled with thick, peaty silt — local lore says it’s bottomless, but in reality it’s around 7–8 metres deep.

Wildlife

• Gormire Lake is a haven for wildlife and birdlife. Expect to see herons, tufted ducks, and dragonflies skimming across the water in summer.

• The surrounding ancient woodland shelters deer, badgers, and a range of woodland birds.

• The lake’s waters are nutrient-rich, encouraging aquatic plants and algae, making it an important ecological site.

GORMIRE LAKE – A SPECIAL PLACE FOR A WALK

Hopefully by now this blog post has made you want to visit this special area for a walk in North Yorkshire. I promise you’ll enjoy it, so get it on your list