From Clay Bank, the Coast to Coast climbs onto the broad uplands of the North York Moors, leaving behind the repeated summits and steep descents of the Cleveland Hills. The route soon enters a more expansive landscape of heather moorland, rough grass and wide horizons, where the sense of height comes as much from the openness of the country as from individual hills.

Much of the journey follows old tracks across the high moors, passing through a landscape shaped by centuries of travel, grazing and human activity. Ancient earthworks and boundary features share the uplands with more recent reminders of industry and land management, while the exposed ridge offers extensive views across the surrounding dales and moorland.

The articles below explore the moors, archaeological remains, historic routes and natural features encountered along and around this stage of the Coast to Coast. Together they provide a closer look at this remarkably open section of the journey, culminating at the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge, where an isolated building on the high moor has welcomed travellers for generations.