9k Run Hambleton: Scenic Ascent to Round Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.9km loop through the Hambleton region of the North York Moors offers a perfect blend of high-plateau running and technical moorland trails. Starting from Clay Bank Top, you'll tackle a steady ascent of 208m, following the storied Lyke Wake Walk path toward Round Hill. The terrain is largely unpaved and moderately hilly, providing a rugged underfoot experience that rewards runners with expansive, 360-degree views of the Cleveland Hills. As you loop around the western edge of Urra Moor, the descent offers a fast, flowing section that allows you to open up your stride while navigating the heather-clad landscape.

Urra Moor is not just the highest point in the North York Moors; it is a site steeped in ancient history. As you run toward the summit at Round Hill, you are passing through a landscape dotted with Bronze Age burial mounds and prehistoric earthworks. The "Face Stone," a carved boundary marker nearby, serves as a reminder of the centuries of travelers who have crossed these high fells. Local runners often favor this route for its exposed, wild feel, which provides a dramatic backdrop that changes beautifully with the shifting light and purple heather blooms of late summer.