Journal
5 of the Best Walks Around Filey
Other than its contribution to British history, its literary heritage and its outstanding food, Yorkshire is famous for something else: its incredible walks.
Filey Walks
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time rambler, there are a range of walking routes that will open your eyes to some of nature’s most stunning sights.
Our guide on Filey coastal walks will take you through some of our favourites – with recommendations for photographs and resting spots. Enjoy some of Yorkshire’s best beach walks and take in history along the way.
Keep reading to discover the natural delights of five of our favourite walks around Filey…
1. Scarborough to Filey Walk
Joining two of North Yorkshire’s most famous seaside towns, the Scarborough to Filey Walk is part of the larger Cleveland Way, a jaw-dropping 109-mile (175km) trek.
Along the Scarborough to Filey Walk, you will find historic rock formations across a nine-mile (14km) stretch, starting at St Nicholas’ Cliff in Scarborough.
The route takes you past Scarborough South Sands and South Bay down to Wheatcroft Cliff, ticking off South Cliff Gardens and Holbeck Gardens.
Afterwards, be prepared to face some heights as most of the walk is along the cliff tops. Highlights include the golf course at Wheatcroft, then Cornelian Bay and the gorgeous Cayton Bay.
Managed by the National Trust, you’ll find one of the best woodland walks near Filey. Up next, check out the rock formations at Lebberston Cliff and Gristhorpe Sands, before Filey Brigg. Here you’ll find a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with 150 million years of geological history.
The final stop takes you through Filey Sands and into the town of Filey, where you can stop off for a bite to eat. It’s a relatively flat walk and isn’t too arduous, but if you want to make it more challenging, you can bolt on the Yorkshire Wolds Way walk, which sits at the northern end of Filey.
2. Filey Cliff Top Walk
Great if you like easy walking routes near Filey, but not great if you like heights, this cliff top walk takes you to Primrose Valley.
And at less than 5km (3 miles), you’ll have plenty of time to pack in other things to do in Filey – including grabbing a bite at your favourite restaurant!
The trail starts from the main town centre, walking along to the end of the promenade. Next, it’s up to the cliff top path via a steep set of steps. While there are no signs along the path, you can make your way quite clearly – and pass local golf clubs as you do.
You’ll then reach Primrose Valley, a coastal village with a tiny population of just 500 people! Dip your toes in the water here before heading down to the main beach in Filey.
Be warned – you should not take this route within two hours of the tide times either side. Be sure to check the tide times before you set off.
3. Filey Brigg Walk
Another simple coastal walk in Filey, the Filey Brigg walk is a five-mile (8km) route with few climbs, ideal if you’re short on time. Inclines include the top of the Country Park, right at the peak of the Brigg. You’ll also find mild uphill slopes as you return through Glen Gardens to West Avenue.
The circular route makes it almost impossible to get lost. Along the way, you’ll take in sights such as Filey Brigg and Country Park, as well as St Oswald’s Church, Cobble Landing, the Seafront Promenade and Glen Gardens.
Ideal for those who love to bask in natural flora, one of the simplest walks around Filey offers all the best of Yorkshire scenery.
4. Filey to Cayton Bay Walk
Now for one of the more challenging coastal walks in Filey, the Cayton Bay route features steep cliffs and a number of descents and climbs. Rather than a circular route, there are varying paths, so you can take in all the sights of the bay as you meander on down.
Your route is around 12 miles (20km) in total, so you might want to start by lining your stomach at one of the best pubs in Filey. Here you may hear tales of the Cleveland Way, which begins in Filey Brigg (or Helmsley, depending on which way you want to take it!).
If you feel like a rest stop, head down to the beach in Cayton Bay and take in the sandy shores. It’s a popular spot for bird watchers and fossil hunters, so be sure to bring your binoculars if you’re so inclined.
Pop into Redcliffe Farm on your route for some local produce, or make it less challenging by following the marked circular route at Cayton. You’ll even find a gift shop and café at the farm, so you can tell your friends you survived!
5. Cleveland Way
A world away from 20km walks, the Cleveland Way covers Filey and many other stunning sights in Yorkshire. From end to end, it runs for more than 100 miles, and can be broken down into smaller chunks for those who don’t fancy the whole challenge.
Those looking for walks near Filey should start on the final leg of the route, the Scarborough to Filey trail. You may hear stories of the famous Holbeck Hall Hotel, which slipped into the sea in 1994. Take the trail with caution, as it’s known for coastal erosion – but more than worth the fear for the views.
If you are thinking of extending your walk, you can add on the Robin Hood’s Bay to Scarborough walking, stretching 12 miles or 20km. Further still, you can trek from Sandsend to Robin Hood’s Bay before you hit Whitby.
And if there’s any power left in your legs, then make sure you ascend the 199 Steps. The incredible ruins of Whitby Abbey are a sight to behold and certainly warrant the long walk.
Has our guide to the five best walks in Filey got you lacing up your walking boots? Make sure you have somewhere to unwind following a busy day of adventure with our Filey holiday cottages.
And for more wonderful ways to spend your time away, give our recommendations on 4 Fabulous Days out in North Yorkshire a read!