Cleveland Street covers a distance of approximately 11 miles between the towns of Guisborough and Loftus. Much of the footpath is across rolling countryside following an ancient track used for centuries as a right of way. You can begin the walk at either end as there is a frequent bus service between the two.

Known at times as 'via de Witbei', 'Back Street' and 'Cleveland Street', history tells us this route was once a major pedestrian highway, probably linking the priories of Guisborough and Whitby. Its a changed landscape since the founding of Guisborough Priory in 1119AD; however, with a little imagination you can picture the monks tending their crops and fishing the medieval carp ponds to the rear of the priory.

At Slapewath a number of railway branch lines crossed and went to various mines; the most impressive reminder of this period is the fine eleven arch Waterfall viaduct, visible through the trees by Spa Wood. Beyond Slapewath the path rises to give views across to Margrove Park and Charltons. These villages were of a particularly high quality and housed miners who worked nearby.

This scenic circular walk of 6 miles explores the coast and countryside around Loftus and Skinningrove. starting from Loftus, the route follows age old pathways once trekked by alum and ironstone miners. It includes some of the most oustanding scenery in East Cleveland; a mix of meadow, farmland, woodland and spectacular cliffs. The route was originally developed by local people but has now been adopted by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The route is waymarked with green markers printed with an 'owls in flight' logo. There are 18 stiles along the route.

The history of Loftus extends back to Viking times though its development was initiated by the Alum industry in the early 17th century. With the closure of the alum quarries Loftus declined and was only revived when a rich seam of ironstone was discovered. Loftus Mine began operations in 1848 and the impressive buildings in the High Street are a lasting monument to the renewed growth and prosperity gained from iron ore extraction. Skinningrove, where Loftus mine is located, produced ironstone to feed the ironworks of the North East from 1848 until its closure in 1958. Today the mine is a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into life and industry during this ironstone era. Situated in the Skinningrove Valley, with its spectacular coastline, old mining community and extensive woodlands, the Tom Leonard Mining Museum is well worth a visit if you have time.

The Tees Link is a 17km trail which connects the Cleveland Way at Highcliff Nab to the Teesdale Way at Middlesbrough Dock. This leaflet, however, illustrates a longer walk, spanning the Tees Valley from Saltburn to Yarm, enabling anyone to enjoy a walk between town and country. The route described can be tackled in three sections; Saltburn to Guisborough Forest and Walkway (12km); Guisborough Forest and Walkway to Middlesbrough Dock (17km); and Middlesbrough Dock to Yarm (22km). The total distance is 51km. The illustrated map highlights points of interest on route, but when walking you will need an OS map. The route is clearly waymarked with the Tees link logo. The Tees Link accommodates long distance walkers as part of the E2 European route from harwich to Stranraer.

For further information about walking in Redcar and Cleveland, including the walks described above contact Emma Daniel (01642) 444187 at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
There is a Womens Walking Network providing organised walks in the area