Sutton Bank is a hill in the former Hambleton District of the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire in England. It is a high point on the Hambleton Hills with extensive views over the Vale of York and the Vale of Mowbray.
| Sutton Bank | |
|---|---|
 A170 road climbing up Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 978 ft (298 m) |
| Listing | (none) |
| Coordinates | 54°14′17″N 1°12′54″W / 54.238°N 1.215°W |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Location | North York Moors National Park, England |
| Parent range | Hambleton Hills |
| OS grid | SE515815 |
| Topo map | OS Explorer OL26 |
The A170 road runs down the bank with a maximum gradient of 1 in 4 (25%), and including a hairpin bend. Vehicles have to keep in low gear whilst travelling up or down the bank,[1] and caravans are banned.[2]
At the foot of Sutton Bank lies the village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe.
History
editJust to the south of Sutton Bank is Roulston Scar, a massive hillfort built in the Iron Age, around 400 BC.[3]
It was the approximate location of the Battle of Old Byland in which the Scots won a major victory over the English on 14 October 1322. King Robert the Bruce had made a forced march with his army in an attempt to surprise the English army which was retreating from a failed invasion of Scotland. John of Brittany, Earl of Richmond held the heights of Sutton Bank while King Edward II with his Queen had withdrawn to Rievaulx Abbey about 16 miles (25 km) to the south-east. The Scots fought their way up the steep hillside to totally defeat the Earl whom they took prisoner. King Edward fled ahead of Sir Walter Stewart's forces leaving behind in the Abbey the Great Seal of England and much treasure.[4]
In 1981, an unidentified body was found at Sutton Bank which became known as the Nude in the Nettles.[5]
In 2016, Sutton Bank was included on the route of the third stage of the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race.[6]
Recreation
editThe Yorkshire Gliding Club is based at the top of the hill. Sutton Bank bank faces the prevailing westerly winds and has been used for ridge soaring since the early 1930s.[7][8]
Sutton Bank National Park Centre's exhibition explains how the distinctive landscape was formed by glaciers and provides views of Roulston Scar, Hood Hill, and Gormire Lake.[9] There is a bike skills area and cycle shop.[10]
There are footpaths close by, including southwards to the White Horse of Kilburn. The 110-mile (177 km) long Cleveland Way National Trail crosses over Sutton Bank.
The North York Moors National Park Authority has developed cycle trails from the visitor centre.[11]
Sutton Bank is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, one of three in the North York Moors.[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Safety study for Sutton Bank" (PDF) (Press release). North Yorkshire County Council. 24 May 2004. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2010.
- ^ "Caravans seized after Sutton Bank trip". Harrogate Informer. 5 June 2017. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Roulston Scar". Brigantes Nation. 29 September 2015. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ Scott, Ronald McNair (1989). Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. New York: Peter Bedrick Books. p. 203.
- ^ "Police plea over unsolved murder of Nude in the Nettles". Mirror Online. 24 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 September 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Second day of the Tour de Yorkshire 2016 draws big crowds". bbc.co.uk. 30 April 2016. Archived from the original on 1 May 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
- ^ "Faq". Yorkshire Gliding Club. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "History". Yorkshire Gliding Club. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Sutton Bank National Park Centre". North York Moors National Park. Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Welcome". Sutton Bank Bikes. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Sutton Bank bikes and cycle trails". North York Moors National Park. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "North York Moors National Park Authority - Dark Skies". North York Moors National Park. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
External links
edit
Media related to Sutton Bank at Wikimedia Commons
- Yorkshire Guide - A Walk around the Kilburn White Horse
- Panoramic views from Sutton Bank here and here.