Whitby Walks and Trails

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Whitby to Sandsend

2 miles • Easy • Beach Walk • Point to Point

Instructions:

1. Check the tide times! Make sure the tide is on it's way out or that you have at least 3 hours until high tide. Do not take risks with the sea.
2. Head through town, along Pier Road and down onto the beach at Battery Gun Parade next to the West Pier.
3. Turn to your left and walk along the beach with the sea to your right.
4. As you pass under the Spa Pavilion you'll see a concrete ramp, allowing access to the promenade. You may wish to walk along the promenade, past the beach huts.
5. Continue walking north. At Upgang Ravine the promenade will come to an end, and you'll cross a small stream. You'll be able to see Sandsend in the distance.
6. As you continue along the beach you'll soon reach the start of the Sandsend sea defences, a series of concrete steps leading from the beach up to the road.
7. Before long you'll be in Sandsend village.
8. Why not stop of a cup of coffee and slice of cake in one of the beachside cafes? Or call in at Berties of Bay, or East Row Deli in Mulgrave Woods. There are also a couple of excellent pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
9. You could choose to walk back, along the beach if tides allow, or along the road. Alternatively look out for the Arriva X4 bus which runs every thirty minutes or so.

Important notes:

• Make sure you check the tide times and stay away from the bottom of the cliffs as they are unstable.
• The walk is very exposed to wind and weather, so wear suitable footwear and bring warm layers and sun protection as appropriate.

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Whitby Abbey & The Dracula Trail

4 miles • Easy • Coast Path • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start in Whitby town centre near the harbour.
2. Walk towards the old town and locate the famous 199 Steps.
3. Climb the 199 Steps to reach St Mary’s Church and the ruins of Whitby Abbey.
4. Pass the abbey and join the Cleveland Way cliff-top path heading south.
5. Follow the coastal path along the cliffs, enjoying wide views across the North Sea.
6. Continue along the Cleveland Way until you reach the area around Saltwick Nab Holiday Park.
7. Leave the coastal path and join the road, turning inland away from the cliffs.
8. Follow the quiet rural road as it leads back towards Whitby.
9. Join Green Lane and continue walking towards the town.
10. Follow Green Lane until it brings you back into Whitby’s streets.
11. Walk through Whitby, taking in landmarks such as East Crescent, the swing bridge, and the harbour to complete the circular route.

Important notes:

• The route includes pavements, quiet lanes, stone and paved paths, and a short grassy footpath.
• Expect several climbs, descents, flights of steps, and one kissing gate along the way.
• There are numerous opportunities for refreshments, museums, and historic sites along the route, allowing you to extend your walk if desired.

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Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay

7-8 miles • Moderate • Coast Path • Point to Point

Instructions:

1. Start at Whitby railway station and make your way towards the town centre and harbour.
2. Follow signs for Whitby Abbey, climbing up to the headland above the town.
3. Pass Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church, then join the Cleveland Way coastal path along the cliff tops.
4. Continue south along the clearly defined coastal trail, enjoying wide views over the North Sea.
5. Walk above Saltwick Bay, staying on the cliff-top path as it curves inland and back out to the coast.
6. Pass the site of the old lighthouse and continue along the exposed cliffs.
7. Follow the path past landmarks including Pursglove Stye and White Scar, keeping to the Cleveland Way markers.
8. Take care along narrow and occasionally eroded sections of path, particularly near steep drops and in windy or wet conditions.
9. Descend towards Robin Hood’s Bay using the steep paths and steps leading down from the cliffs.
10. Enter Robin Hood’s Bay and explore the historic village, with its narrow cobbled streets, cafés, pubs, shops, and seaside atmosphere.

Important notes:

• The route includes steep climbs, descents, and steps, and sections of narrow cliff-top path.
• The walk is very exposed to wind and weather, so wear suitable footwear and bring warm layers and sun protection as appropriate.

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Robin Hood's Bay and Maw Wyke

6-7 miles • Moderate • Coast Path • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start in Robin Hood’s Bay, near the car park where public toilets are available.
2. Join the Cleveland Way coastal path heading north, following waymarkers along the cliff tops.
3. Continue along the exposed coastal path, climbing and descending through several gullies as the route follows the coastline.
4. Take care on sections where the path is paved with stone steps, which can be slippery, especially in wet conditions.
5. Keep children and dogs under close control as the path runs close to unfenced cliff edges with steep drops.
6. Follow any signed diversions where landslips have affected the main path, crossing large fields that may contain sheep or cattle.
7. Continue north until you reach Maw Wyke.
8. Turn inland at Maw Wyke, leaving the Cleveland Way and passing through a caravan park.
9. Follow signs through the caravan park to join the Cinder Track, the former railway line.
10. Turn onto the Cinder Track and follow it south back towards Robin Hood’s Bay.
11. Be aware of cyclists and horse riders on this shared-use path.
12. Continue along the Cinder Track until you return to the starting point in Robin Hood’s Bay.

Important notes:

• Paths can become very muddy after wet weather.
• There are several gates and kissing gates but no stiles on this route.
• Suitable footwear is recommended due to uneven and potentially slippery surfaces.

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Robin Hood's Bay to Ravenscar Circular

10+ miles • Moderate • Coast Path • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start in Robin Hood’s Bay, near the pay-and-display car park, and join the Cleveland Way coastal path.
2. Follow the Cleveland Way north, walking above the cliffs through a mix of farmland and woodland.
3. Continue along the cliff-top path, passing above Boggle Hole as you head towards Ravenscar.
4. Take care on muddy or slippery sections, especially after wet weather.
5. Reach Ravenscar and follow signs to leave the Cleveland Way and descend carefully towards the beach.
6. Take your time on the steep and rough descent down to the shoreline.
7. At the beach, turn back south towards Robin Hood’s Bay.
8. Walk along the beach over sand and rocks, staying alert to changing underfoot conditions.
9. Keep well back from the base of the cliffs due to the risk of falling rocks and erosion.
10. Pass through the area where seals are often present; keep quiet, give them plenty of space, and avoid disturbing them.
11. Continue along the beach until you can rejoin Robin Hood’s Bay and return to the starting point.

Important notes:

• This route can only be completed safely at low tide; check tide times in advance and do not attempt the beach section at high tide.
• Suitable footwear is essential due to muddy paths, slippery rocks, and uneven terrain.
• The trailhead car park is pay and display, and there are several cafés, pubs, and shops in Robin Hood’s Bay for refreshments.

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Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay

10+ miles • Moderate • Coast Path • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start on Raven Hall Road, using the roadside parking near Ravenscar.
2. Walk north along Raven Hall Road towards the junction with Station Road.
3. Turn left at the junction onto Station Road, following signs for the coastal path.
4. Follow the path as it initially heads towards the golf course, then turn left again to join the Cleveland Way.
5. Continue along the Cleveland Way, following the scenic cliff-top path with views along the coastline.
6. Walk past Boggle Hole, an area noted for its geology and fossil finds, staying on the coastal path.
7. Continue along the coast until you reach Robin Hood’s Bay.
8. In Robin Hood’s Bay, turn left and follow Thorpe Lane inland.
9. Join the Cinder Track, the disused railway line, for the return leg of the walk.
10. Follow the Cinder Track through open countryside and farmland back towards Ravenscar.
11. Leave the Cinder Track where it meets Raven Hall Road and return to the starting point.

Important notes:

• The route includes rough, steep sections and several flights of steps; take care, particularly in wet or muddy conditions.
• Good footwear is essential due to uneven surfaces.
• Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads near cliff edges and sudden drops.

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Falling Foss Circular

3 miles • Moderate • Woodland • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start at the car park at Falling Foss, in Sneaton Forest.
2. Leave the car park and follow the clearly signed footpath into the woodland, heading towards Falling Foss waterfall, take time to enjoy the views of the 30-foot cascade.
3. Turn right at the Tea Garden and continue through the ancient woods of Littlebeck, past the Hermitage, keeping to the main path as it follows the stream.
4. On reaching Littlebeck, follow the road through the ford, then take a left at the Methodist Chapel.
5. Walk through Intake Farm and follow the farm track, you'll pass through some fields and then join a footpath, crossing a stream and passing through more fields.
6. Follow the footpath, veering left and heading through another farmyard.
7. As you descend you'll pass through a gate and Falling Foss Tea Gardens will be to your left.

Important notes:

• Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after wet weather, so suitable footwear is recommended.
• Look out for wildlife along the stream, including dippers, and enjoy seasonal bluebells in spring.

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Boggle Hole to Robin Hood’s Bay Circular

3 miles • Moderate • Coast Path • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start in Robin Hood’s Bay and make your way towards the coast, following signs for the beach.
2. Walk south along the beach towards Boggle Hole, keeping an eye on tide times and staying on firm sand where possible.
3. Continue along the shoreline until you reach Boggle Hole.
4. Leave the beach at Boggle Hole and head inland, you'll see the Youth Hostel ahead.
5. Cross the join the footpath to the right, heading upward into woodland.
6. Continue out of the woodland and across open green fields, keeping to public footpaths.
7. Follow the path as it loops back towards Robin Hood’s Bay.
8. Re-enter Robin Hood’s Bay and take the opportunity to stop for refreshments at one of the village pubs.

Important notes:

• Check tide times before walking along the beach and avoid this section at high tide.
• The route is generally easy, with a mix of beach, woodland, and field paths.
• Suitable footwear is recommended, especially after wet weather or when walking on uneven beach surfaces.

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Ruswarp via the Cinder Track

5-6 miles • Moderate • Cinder Track • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start in Whitby and join the Cinder Track, following the former railway line away from the town.
2. Walk along the Cinder Track on the flat, well-defined path, enjoying easy walking suitable for families and dogs.
3. Leave the Cinder Track at the signed access point and descend onto Larpool Lane.
4. Turn onto Larpool Lane and follow it downhill towards Ruswarp.
5. Enter Ruswarp and walk through the village, heading towards the riverside area and cross the bridge.
6. Pick up the Monks Trod footpath, following signs out of Ruswarp, next to Jackson's Butchers.
7. Follow the Monks Trod as it crosses open fields, keeping to the marked path.
8. Continue along the field paths as the route gradually climbs back towards Whitby.
9. Join Mayfield Road at the top of the climb.
10. Follow Mayfield Road back towards Whitby to complete the circular route.

Important notes:

• The route is generally easy and suitable for most abilities, including families and dogs.
• Some sections can become muddy during wetter months, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
• Wear suitable layers to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions.

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Whitby & Hawsker Circular

8-9 miles • Moderate • Coast Path • Circular

Instructions:

1. Start in Whitby and make your way towards the headland above the town, following signs for Whitby Abbey.
2. Pass Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church, then join the Cleveland Way coastal path heading south.
3. Follow the cliff-top path as it runs along the edge of the North York Moors National Park, enjoying wide coastal views and looking out for seabirds and other wildlife.
4. Continue along the Cleveland Way until you reach the area around Hawsker.
5. Leave the coastal path at Hawsker, following signs inland towards the old railway line.
6. Join the Cinder Track, the former railway route, for the return leg of the walk.
7. Follow the Cinder Track as it winds back towards Whitby through farmland and patches of woodland.
8. Watch for cyclists and horse riders on this shared-use path.
9. Continue along the Cinder Track until it brings you back to Whitby, completing the circular route.

Important notes:

• You may encounter livestock in fields along the route; keep dogs on leads when required.
• Dogs should also be kept on leads along exposed cliff-top sections with steep drops.
• Wear suitable footwear and bring warm layers and sun protection, as the route is exposed in places.

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Whitby to Ravenscar via the Cleveland Way

12+ miles • Hard • Coast Path • Point to Point

Instructions:

1. Start in Whitby, near the harbour.
2. Make your way to the headland above Whitby by heading towards Whitby Abbey.
3. Pass the abbey ruins and St Mary’s Church, then join the Cleveland Way National Trail heading south.
4. Follow the cliff-top path as it leaves Whitby, enjoying wide views over the North Sea.
5. Continue along the Cleveland Way towards Robin Hood’s Bay, staying on the waymarked coastal route.
6. Descend into Robin Hood’s Bay using the steep paths and steps leading down into the village.
7. Walk through Robin Hood’s Bay, then climb back out of the village to rejoin the Cleveland Way.
8. Continue south along the coastal path, passing above Boggle Hole and through farmland and woodland.
9. Follow the Cleveland Way all the way to Ravenscar, staying on the cliff tops as the landscape opens out.
10. Finish the walk at Ravenscar, exploring the dramatic headland and the remains of the planned Victorian resort.

Important notes:

• This is a one-way route with several steep climbs and descents.
• Wear suitable footwear and bring layers, as the route is exposed and can be demanding in places.