Walks: Take an Easter stroll from Robin Hood’s Bay to the fishing port of Whitby

It is a 1 way walk and the assumption is that you are staying/or start the day in Whitby. It is best to walk from south to north. The short walk leaves plenty of time to explore Robin Hood’s Bay.

There is a regular (X93 roughly every ½ hour, takes 15 minutes) bus service from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay.

Stay on the bus at Robin Hoods Bay and head up to the next stop at Fylingthorpe. Fyling Hall and the folly known as The Pigsty is a few hundred metres up the road (to the west) but really I like starting here as it may be possible to spot some Coast to Coast walkers completing their 200 miles crossing of England. From the centre take Middlewood Road south for 300 metres to a lane on your let, turning in to a footpath as it drops down to the Hay. Turn right before the sands and enter lower Robin Hood’s Bay as the smugglers did. It is worth spending some time wandering the streets and even taking in one of the cafes before heading up the road to start the main walk.

From the Upper Bay of Robin Hood’s Bay the route follows the Cleveland Way and clings to the coastline. The footpath starts just south of the old railway line and heads initially east towards a headland. After a few hundred metres look to your right at the lovely views across Robin Hood’s Bay and towards Ravenscar. The footpath follows the headland before dropping steeply (and climbing equally steeply) out from a stream which has cut into the cliffs. 1 mile further on Oakham Beck creates an even steeper drop and climb. This is typical of coastal walking and the effort is worth the rewards of dramatic views and bracing air. The cliffs here are gradually eroding away and will eventually eat up the existing path.

The path tracks the coast for a further 2 miles, past the old ‘Fog Signal’ before arriving at a large holiday park. Sadly the fog horn that used to blast out is now been de-commissioned but there is still a splendid old harbour house (now private residency). The holiday park is situated above a sandy beach (at low tide) which may be worth visiting if you have time. Having picked your way through the holiday park the imposing site of Whitby Abbey looms large ahead.

Whitby Abbey was (and still is) an impressive Benedictine Abbey which fell in to disrepair during the Dissolution in Henry v11 reign. It is worth visiting with an upgrade of visitor facilities planned to be completed by early April. The footpath keeps to the coast and passes on the coastal side of the abbey before cutting inland just before a TV satellite. The path joins Abbey Lane before arriving at St Mary’s Church, a building probably as old as the abbey itself. From here steps drop steeply to Whitby town and the fine harbour.

• Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, an outdoor business in the Yorkshire Dales. He has written his own book, the Dales 30, which describes the highest mountains in the Dales. He also runs one-day navigation courses for beginners and intermediates, and learn a skill, climb a hill weekends. To find out more details on any of the above and details of many more walks in the area visit where2walk.co.uk

WALK FACTS

Distance: Roughly 6.5 miles

Height to Climb: 300m (985 feet).

Start: NZ 943050. Drop off point for the bus in Fylingthorpe.

Difficulty: Medium: Some steep up and down on the coast but following a well worn path.

Refreshments: Take time in Robin Hood’s Bay and there is a large choice of places to eat in Whitby.

Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL27) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (essential on this walk). You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.