Kildale: Trails, Waterfall and Mining History

Kildale can be explored through a variety of themes: a section of the Cleveland Way leads here from Clay Bank, Old Meggison Falls adds a natural highlight, and Warren Moor Mine tells the story of failed mining ventures. There is also St Cuthbert’s Church, with its long tradition of worship, and the annual Kildale Show. Which of these experiences shapes your stay can also influence your choice of holiday cottage and the character of your days away.

Trails and a waterfall around Kildale

The Cleveland Way reaches Kildale along the 9.3-mile (15 km) section from Clay Bank to Kildale. This distance gives you a clear sense of the scale of the stage and helps you consider it as a focus of your trip planning. The section is also open to mountain bikers and horse riders. When planning, you can therefore take account of both the stated route length and the mode of travel that suits you.

Another walking idea takes you from Kildale railway station through Mill Bank Wood to Old Meggison Falls. The waterfall is about 12–14 feet high and plunges into a large pool; its flow varies with rainfall. After wet weather, the path through the woodland can be muddy. Bear this in mind when planning if the waterfall is one of your destinations.

The two routes differ mainly in what they focus on: the Cleveland Way centres on the clearly defined stage between Clay Bank and Kildale, while the path through Mill Bank Wood leads to a specific natural attraction. You can therefore consider whether you would rather set aside time for the route or for the waterfall, without combining the two into a single walk.

Mining history at Warren Moor

Warren Moor Mine in Kildale is a remarkably well-preserved mining complex. It includes mine shafts, boiler and pumping houses, railway lines and a large square chimney. The various structures and features bring the mining history vividly to life: rather than seeing just one type of building, you encounter different parts of the former industrial complex.

The story of the ventures is also part of this picture. Between 1866 and 1874, two companies tried to operate the mine. Both ventures ended in bankruptcy and the abandonment of the mine workings. This timeline shows that the complex tells a story not only through its architecture, but also through two failed business ventures within a limited period.

Church and living tradition

St Cuthbert’s Church is in Kildale. The tradition of worship at this site dates back more than 1,000 years; the present church building was rebuilt in 1868 in the Early English style. A long religious tradition and a specific phase of construction in the 19th century thus stand side by side. If you plan to visit the church, check its opening times before you travel, as seasonal hours may change.

The Kildale Show and choosing your accommodation

The Kildale Show is an annual agricultural event with a tradition dating back to 1881. It showcases North Yorkshire’s farming community. If the event is part of your travel plans, check the dates in advance so you can take them into account when planning. The show offers a different focus from the trails and the church and mining history: here, the region’s farming community takes centre stage.

When looking for a holiday cottage in Kildale, these different interests can guide your decision. First, consider whether you would rather plan your days around a section of the Cleveland Way, the walk to Old Meggison Falls, the historic sites or the Kildale Show. If you want to combine several interests, you can weigh them against one another and then decide which experiences should take up the most time during your stay. This way, your choice of accommodation reflects the holiday you are actually planning, rather than a general idea of what a stay in Kildale should be.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bradley, Draughton, Wykeham, Staithes, Coxwold, Lothersdale, York, Spofforth.

Return to the main travel overview: North Yorkshire.