A must-do North Yorkshire coastal walk: Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay

Whitby and the cove-hidden villages along the coast of the North York Moors National Park occupy one of the most picturesque corners of the country. The wild North Sea batters the cliff edges, and sea defences stand proud protecting these tiny fishing settlements. The stretch of coastline between Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay is a habitat for a diverse array of birdlife, yet it’s also replete with seafaring history, in particular around Captain James Cook, who lived in Whitby. 

This circular walk starts at YHA Whitby, next to Whitby Abbey, and follows the Cleveland Way directly along the coast to Robin Hood’s Bay, a place that has been named after the outlaw since at least the 16th century, and possibly as early as the 1300s. The path then returns inland, mainly along the Cinder Track, a walking or cycling route that stretches between Scarborough and Whitby and notably crosses the three-arch Larpool Viaduct, which spans the River Esk. 

Other highlights on this lengthy walk include Saltwick Bay, where, at low tide, you can still see the wreck of Admiral Von Tromp, a trawler wrecked in 1976. 

It’s a well-known location for fossil hunters, too. You’ll also see a Victorian fog horn station, Old Whitby Lighthouse and Gnipe Howe, a Bronze-Age tumulus. 

Hazards: Watch out for traffic on the short road sections, some with no pavements, and when crossing minor roads on the Cinder Track. Sections of the clifftop are not fenced or have eroded, the path is close to steep drops in places. Further erosion may occur, keep back from the cliff edge. Short, muddy and slippery patches especially near stream crossings. Long flights of uneven steps. Uneven and loose surface before Robin Hood’s Bay above Clock Case Nab. Watch out for cyclists on the Cinder Track. Exposed in places so prepare for the weather.

Accessibility: There are steep paths and uneven, tall flights of steps, mostly without handrails. The paths are well walked, obvious to follow and generally in good condition with patches of steep and rough ground and sections that will be muddy and slippery after rain. Buses run between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby, check times before leaving.

Directions     

1. Leave the hostel past the Abbey entrance and continue ahead across the car park.
2. Turn R onto Abbey Lane, then L at the fingerpost onto the Cleveland Way/Coast Path and continue to Mount Pleasant North at Robin Hood’s Bay.
3. The return leg leaves to the R along Elm Grove, then R onto the Cinder Track, but first visit Robin Hood’s Bay.
4. Continue along Mount Pleasant North and turn L onto Station Road. Head downhill for 500m distance and 45m descent to the picturesque area around the slipway. Return uphill to the Cinder Track and follow this for just over five miles to cross Larpool Viaduct.
5. Turn R to leave the Cinder Track, cross playing fields and pass the college. Bear R onto a footpath and follow it to the R and then L under the A171. Bear R onto Waterstead Lane, then onto Windsor Terrace and turn R after the station.
6. Follow New Quay Road and cross the bridge onto Bridge Street. Turn L onto Church Street, then R onto Church Lane and, with one final push after a long walk, take the 199 steps towards the Abbey and back to the hostel.

View this self-guided walking route

This route has been created by YHA to provide inspiration and to aid planning and preparation of your walk. It doesn’t replace the need for an OS Map or the OS Maps App to navigate your walk safely. Digital maps are a guide and do not always reflect the conditions on the ground, ensure you are aware of your immediate surroundings.

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Produced by Matt Overd (https://walkingpace.uk). Contributions from Marie O’Donnell & Simon Ainley. © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 1000+99+5. View full terms and conditions.