Sutton Bank offers “The finest view in England” according to author James Herriot. You can see for miles across the Vales of York and Mowbray to the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a well known stopping point on the main road from Thirsk to Scarborough and is a great place for a rest after the tortuous climb up the steep bank.
You can discover all about the nearby North York Moors National Park at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre – hidden in trees at the top of the bank. It offers events and exhibitions throughout the year, staff who can answer your questions and advise you about what to do and see in the area and an excellent tea shop.
It’s a pleasant 1-mile walk with stunning views along the edge of the escarpment to the White Horse at Kilburn. This enormous chalk figure was cut out of the turn from the hillside in 1857 by residents of Kilburn village. It is a huge 228ft in height and 312ft in length and is unique in the north of England.
There are some other good short walks from the National Park Centre and a guide has been published by the National Park Authority.