BILSDALE beautiful Bilsdale. This once little known valley enclosed by steep hills and wild moorland was first introduced to farming in earnest by the Cistercian Monks.

The wool trade was the mainstay of their Abbey and the Brothers developed the valley and the surrounding moors to this end.

After the dissolution of the monasteries iron-ore deposits were mined and smelted. In fact, a Smith in the valley was mining and smelting his own ore as recent as 1900.

Other industries to bloom were Jet and Coal Mining, but the basic economy of Bilsdale has always been and still is farming.

The hills and moors surrounding Bilsdale top out at more than 1,300ft giving the valley shelter from the cold east winds.

This ride takes in the northern end of the dale which climbs onto the edge of the Cleveland Hills. There are astounding views from Carlton Bank, which extend as far as County Durham in the north and eastwards to the edge of the Cleveland Hills, Roseberry Topping and the sea.

The ride starts from the car park at Chop Gate, (pronounced Chop Yat). This name is thought to come from the Old English word ceap, which meant pedlar. Many medieval paths and bridleways converge on Chop Yat, which must have been a busy trading area or market once.

The route visits the pretty village of Carlton in Cleveland which nestles at the foot of the hills and passes close by Stokesley. Before returning to face the spectacular Cleveland Hills again.

However, this time to ride up the long hill to the top of Clay Bank where you can enjoy more grand views of beautiful Bilsdale as you cycle down to Chop Gate.

Your Route

Leave the car park turning left towards the Buck Inn and Chop Gate. Just past the Inn, turn left onto a narrow road signed to Carlton in Cleveland.

Enjoy this scenic ride into the heart of Bilsdale with Cold Moor and Cringle Moor towering above you on the right. This road is narrow, slippery and twisty. Watch out for the short downhill sections which have tight bends.

Eventually you cross a cattle grid and the road levels out for a while. Soon, look out on the right for an old quarry where you can usually find refreshment and toilet facilities, depending what time of year it is.

Soon the road bends to the right to the edge of the hills. Stop here for a while before descending a very steep hill and enjoy the outstanding views.

When you can break away from the scenery start to descend but go slowly, there are tight corners, steep downhill sections with gravel and mud on the bends.

In about a mile and a half you reach a 'T' junction. Bear right here to cycle into Carlton in Cleveland, perhaps stopping at the Blackwell Ox for refreshment.

Continue through the village then just before the A172 turn right along a narrow road signed to Great Busby, Kirkby and Broughton. Continue along this twisty road with care through Great Busby and Kirkby where there is the Black Swan pub, then onto Great Broughton.

The Cleveland Hills tower above you on the right looking like a miniature Swiss vista. At the roundabout in Great Broughton turn right signed to Helmsley.

It is a hard climb now of about two miles to the top of Clay Bank where you can stop and rest before cycling downhill back to Chop Gate and the car park.

The facts:

Distance - 16 miles (28km)

Grading - Moderate

Terrain - Some very steep hills

Best Maps - OS Outdoor Leisure 26

Start/Grid Ref - Car park near Chop Gate grid ref: 558994

Refreshments - Pub at start and along the way

Guide Book - Exploring Ryedale, Moor and Wold by bicycle by J Brian Beadle published by Trailblazer at £1.95 contains routes in the same area. Available from book shops, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Tourist Information Centres.

Updated: 12:22 Tuesday, March 08, 2005