10k Run Guisborough: Scenic Loop through Guisborough Woods

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.6km loop through Guisborough Woods offers an invigorating blend of steady climbs and fast descents, making it a favorite for trail runners in the North York Moors. Transitioning from the flat, accessible cinder of the old railway line onto the winding forest tracks, you'll tackle a respectable 279m of ascent that will certainly test your climbing legs. The terrain is largely firm but can become slick with mud after Yorkshire showers, so opting for a shoe with decent lugs is recommended. As you navigate the woodland trails, expect a mix of sheltered canopy sections and open pockets that offer stunning, rugged views across the Cleveland Hills.

Steeped in industrial heritage, the area around Guisborough Woods serves as a gateway to the moors and sits just below the iconic Highcliff Nab. The initial stretch along the former railway line pays homage to the region’s ironstone mining history, providing a perfect flat warm-up before you hit the undulating forest floor. Guisborough itself is an ancient market town, famously home to the ruins of Guisborough Priory, and the woods have long been a sanctuary for local athletes seeking to sharpen their hill-climbing skills. Running here feels like following in the footsteps of the fell runners who have competed on these slopes for decades.