Stokesley to Great Ayton Field Paths

Eight flat miles with barely 20 metres of ascent and around three and a quarter hours, tracking the River Leven across the vale between the two towns and returning on the paths north of the river; there is no climbing at all but the arable headlands are heavy going in winter and there are numerous stiles and kissing gates. It starts in Stokesley town square, where parking is free for three hours and the Arriva 81 runs to Great Ayton if you would rather walk one way and ride back. The Leven is within reach for most of the route and gives easy drinking and a shallow paddle, but almost every field on this walk is farmed, with sheep and cattle in the pastures and standing crops in the arable, so this is a lead walk with only short releases.