Kilburn Woods

Visitor information

See the iconic Kilburn White Horse from Kilburn

Experience stunning views and visit the iconic Kilburn White Horse at Kilburn Woods.

Kilburn White Horse is the most northerly turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. It's easily visible from the south, below Sutton Bank, and while it's difficult to get a sense of its scale from the path on the escarpment edge above, there are steps down the side which give a closer view.

The horse dates from 1857, when the outline of the horse was marked out by the Kilburn village schoolmaster and his pupils. The horse was then cut into the limestone underneath – to make it more visible today, chalk chippings are added at intervals and the horse is painted every few years to ensure it remains visible for miles around.

There are two walking trails at Kilburn Woods, both providing stunning views across the Yorkshire landscape. The White Horse walk climbs the steps beside the White Horse and leads along the top of Sutton Bank along the Cleveland Way, rewarding you with views of Hood Hill and Lake Gormire. 

Kilburn Walk undulates through mixed woodlands and circles round to reward you with a view of the iconic White Horse.

 

At a glance

  • Iconic White Horse
  • Spectacular Yorkshire views
  • 2 walking trails
  • Picnic area

Things to do

A 2km (1.2 mile) undulating circular walk that winds through Kilburn Woods, passing through mixed woodlands then following a main forest road, before arriving back at the car park to be rewarded with a view of the iconic White Horse.

Kilburn White Horse is the most northerly turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. It's easily visible from the south, below Sutton Bank, and while it's difficult to get a sense of its scale from the path on the escarpment edge above, there are steps down the side which give a closer view.

The horse dates from 1857, when the outline of the horse was marked out by the Kilburn village schoolmaster and his pupils. The horse was then cut into the limestone underneath – to make it more visible today, chalk chippings are added at intervals and the horse is painted every couple of years to ensure it remains visible.

A 2.5km (1.5 mile) circular walk with spectacular panoramic views at the top from the Cleveland Way National Trail. Climb steps past the historic Kilburn White Horse, skirt along the cliff escarpment before descending into the woodland, and back to the car park.

Kilburn White Horse is the most northerly turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire. It's easily visible from the south, below Sutton Bank, and while it's difficult to get a sense of its scale from the path on the escarpment edge above, there are steps down the side which give a closer view.

The horse dates from 1857, when the outline of the horse was marked out by the Kilburn village schoolmaster and his pupils. The horse was then cut into the limestone underneath – to make it more visible today, chalk chippings are added at intervals and the horse is painted every couple of years to ensure it remains visible.

 

 

Nearby forests

A forest track with trees either side. In the distance is a view across a valley covered by forest.

Adjacent to Over Silton village, Silton Forest is a great place for an energetic walk, peaceful picnic or breath of fresh air. 

Start your forest adventure from the Moor Lane Car Park and prepare for some blood pumping climbs. Trust us when we say the views are worth it! 

A view of arable land with Roseberry Topping in the skyline

Nestled halfway up the slopes of the Cleveland Hills, Clay Bank is a great base for walkers, hikers and view seekers alike.

Clay Bank offers you easy access to the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire's famous 109 mile long trail that stretches from the dramatic coastline to the beautiful heather moorland. 

Don't miss out on the panoramic views that stretch to Kildale, Roseberry Topping, Teesside. 

A view of open arable land with a range of hills on the skyline.

Found on the edge of Middlesbrough, Gribdale Gate car park provides a great starting point for a network of paths and trails. 

Follow the long-distance Cleveland Way footpath and adventure into Coate Moor, a forest haven just waiting to be explored. If you want to venture further afield, the trail runs up to the historic Captain Cook's monument. The steep climbs are definitely worth it for the unparalleled views across the Cleveland Hills!

No overnight camping is permitted.

Hybrid Bluebell close up

Home to foxes, deer, badgers and many woodland birds, Hagg Wood provides the perfect woodland visit for any wildlife enthusiast! At different times of the year you can hear the call of woodpeckers, wood pigeons and cuckoos. 

It's also a great place to spot bluebells in spring, as well as primroses, yellow pimpernel, wood anemone and dog violets, which you'll find growing along the woodland rides and clearings.

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