From Swainby and the western edge of the Cleveland Hills, the Coast to Coast leaves the Vale of Mowbray behind and begins a succession of steep climbs and descents onto the high ground of the North York Moors. Woodland and enclosed farmland gradually give way to open hillsides, with increasingly extensive views westwards across the Vale towards the distant Pennines.

The route follows the northern escarpment through a landscape of prominent summits, rocky outcrops and sweeping moorland. The climbs over the Cleveland Hills bring a dramatic return to high-level walking, while ancient tracks, prehistoric remains and traces of earlier settlement reveal a landscape travelled and occupied for thousands of years.

The articles below explore the hills, archaeological sites, historic features and natural landscape encountered along and around this stage of the Coast to Coast. Together they provide a closer look at the western North York Moors, from the first ascent out of the Vale to the high ground above Clay Bank, where open moorland begins to dominate the journey eastwards.