10k Run Sneaton: Scenic Ascent to Stony Leas Summit

Route Overview & Local Insights

Starting from the serene May Beck Car Park, this 9.8km trail offers a quintessentially rugged North York Moors experience. Classified as a category SL fell run, you’ll tackle 183m of ascent, beginning with a steady climb through sheltered woodland tracks before breaking out onto the expansive, exposed moorland. The "Hilly 3" rating is earned during the final push to the summit of Stony Leas, where wide skies and sweeping views await. The return journey is a technical delight for off-road runners, featuring a peaty, heathery descent and a final sharp plunge through the bracken that will test your quad strength and footing right until the finish.

Sneaton and the surrounding May Beck valley are steeped in North Yorkshire’s rich natural history, famously located near the Falling Foss waterfall. This area was historically significant for its alum mining and timber, but today it serves as a gateway to some of the most pristine heather moorland in England. Running toward Stony Leas puts you in the heart of a landscape that shifts dramatically with the seasons—from the vibrant purple blooms of late summer to the atmospheric, misty peaks of winter. It is a favorite spot for local fell runners looking for a mix of soft woodland loam and the challenging, uneven terrain of the high moors.