6k Run Hambleton: Scenic Journey to Captain Cook's Monument

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.2km loop through the North York Moors offers a perfect blend of invigorating climbs and fast, scenic descents. Starting from the Gribdale Gate car park, you'll tackle a steady ascent of 162m primarily concentrated on the push up to Easby Moor. The terrain is a mix of well-maintained gravel paths and short paved sections, making it accessible for runners looking to transition from road to trail. Once you reach the summit, the route opens up into a technical but rewarding northern loop around Lonsdale Beck, where the undulating moorland tracks provide a fantastic cardiovascular workout against the backdrop of the Cleveland Hills.

The crown jewel of this run is Captain Cook’s Monument, a 51-foot sandstone obelisk erected in 1827 to honor the famous circumnavigator who grew up in the nearby village of Great Ayton. As you catch your breath at the monument, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Roseberry Topping and the Vale of Mowbray. This area is steeped in maritime history and geological significance, sitting on the edge of the Cleveland Way National Trail. Local runners often favor this route in the early morning when the mist clings to the valley floor, providing a sense of isolation and wild beauty that is hard to find elsewhere in Hambleton.