Journal
4 North Yorkshire Coastal Walks
While on holiday, the best way to see the sights is usually to lace your boots up and get out into the great outdoors! For those stopping by the coast, there are plenty of beautiful North Yorkshire coastal walks just waiting to be discovered.
North Yorkshire coastal walks are particularly popular; with its gorgeous moorlands, craggy sea cliffs, and golden beaches, the varied landscape makes for some very interesting routes. We’ve put together four of our favourite Yorkshire coastal walks, ranging from all-day hikes to relatively short strolls along the Scarborough seafront…
1. Glaisdale and Egton Bridge Walk
Circular walks are always a good choice – after all, there’s no need to trudge back the way you came and you get to see more of the local area. This Glaisdale and Egton Bridge Walk takes you through the beautiful Esk Valley, along ancient pathways and enchanting woodlands with carpets of bluebells.
A particularly lovely route during the spring and summer, you’ll get to enjoy views across both the coast and countryside. It should take you around three and a half hours to complete, so it’s worth packing and flask and some snacks to keep you going.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest pub or cafe: The Witching Post Inn is a friendly village pub in Egton, serving up classic pub food in a relaxed setting.
Stay at…
Bracken Howe Lodge is a spacious three-bedroom lodge in Egton, sleeping up to six guests. Set within a peaceful woodland, it’s perfect for those who want to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature for a change. Outside on the deck, you’ll find your very own soothing hot tub.
2. Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay
This Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay guides you along the vibrant and varied landscape of the North York Moors. From the violet hues of its famed moorlands to the sweeping vistas of the sea, there’s so much to be discovered along this route. Of course, at 11 miles it’s certainly not the quickest or easiest, but you will be rewarded with some of the best views in the region.
It should take around six and a half hours to complete, so it’s worth heading out early in the morning for this one to make sure you have plenty of daylight left on your way back.
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: A bit of a challenge
Nearest pub or cafe: Treat yourselves to a tasty plate of fresh fish and chips at the Fish Box in Robin Hood’s Bay – you’ve earned it!
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Stay at…
Seawinds is a delightful family home in Robin Hood’s Bay. Sleeping up to six guests across its three bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and unwind after a busy day of walking. The views across the countryside from the conservatory are absolutely gorgeous – such a wonderful spot to sit and watch the world go by.
3. The Castle Trail, Scarborough
For those that don’t fancy a big hike, this scenic walk around the historic town of Scarborough is well worth trying. The Castle Trail takes you on a journey back in time as you discover the interesting past of this popular resort town. Along the way, you’ll go past all of its most important landmarks, including St. Mary’s Church, Scarborough Castle, and John Shields Ryalls’ Grave.
The route starts at the Scarborough Monument, before heading up to the pretty Peasholm Park. From here, you’ll follow the harbour to the castle, before heading back into the town and finally ending up at the spa – the whole route should take around an hour to complete.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest pub or cafe: Cool off with a tasty gelato from Crema e Cioccolato, a popular Italian ice cream shop serving up authentic frozen delights.
Stay at…
Just a short drive from Scarborough, Sleeper Cottage is a lovely two-bedroom cottage in Filey. An excellent base for a walking holiday, you’ll find all the amenities you need here – as well as the use of the nearby swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
4. Grosmont to Whitby
One of our favourite walks near Whitby! Follow the River Esk along this scenic Grosmont to Whitby trail. Starting in the village of Grosmont, you’ll stroll through woodlands, fields, and quaint villages before arriving in the seaside resort of Whitby. As this is a linear walk, you might want to hop on the train to get back (depending on where you started). Fortunately, there’s a direct train route between Grosmont and Whitby.
Most of the path follows level bridleways, although it can get quite muddy and boggy during certain times of the year. The route is fine for dog-walkers, although you will have to keep your dog on a lead as there is livestock along the way.
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (There are some steep sections)
Nearest pub or cafe: The Endeavour is a popular pub in the heart of Whitby, offering an excellent range of craft ales. They don’t serve food, but you can bring in your own fish and chips!
Stay at…
Sunday Cottage is a former village school, transformed into a lovely three-bedroom retreat in Grosmont. Sleeping up to five guests, it’s the perfect choice for families or groups of friends looking to get away for a few days. Bright, spacious, yet still very cosy, it feels like a real home-from-home.
If you’re looking to explore more of Yorkshire by foot, why not check out our 8 favourite walks in North Yorkshire.
Explore these delightful Yorkshire coastal walks whilst staying in one of these charming Yorkshire cottages. Or why not discover our top 10 things to do on the Yorkshire Coast for some more coastal gems?