Journal

12 Popular Walks in Whitby

Fancy a scenic walk in Whitby? You’re in luck. Some of the best sights and sounds on the North Yorkshire coast are within walking distance. Take a cliff edge walk along the North Sea or head out into the Moors – the choice is yours.

And there’s something for everyone. Our selection of Whitby walks suits every type of day out – from a holiday stroll with an ice cream in hand to a full-blown coastal hike.

So, whether you’re looking for coastal paths with spectacular views of the North Sea, or a short walk to blow away the cobwebs, we’ve got a route for you. Take a look at our list of the best walks in Whitby…

1. The Cleveland Way

Route marker along the Cleveland Way.

The Cleveland Way is a national trail walking route that runs for over 100 miles. Most walks around Whitby, and coastal walks in Yorkshire, take in parts of the Cleveland Way – so it’s a great idea to learn more about it.

The route begins in Helmsley, well away from the coast. It takes in the villages and moorland of the North York Moors National Park, before joining the coast at Saltburn.

From there, the Cleveland Way passes miles of cliffs, beaches and fishing villages, as well as the North Yorkshire coast’s finest towns. Along the way, it goes through places like Filey, Scarborough, Ravenscar – and of course, Whitby.

Now we know a little about the Cleveland Way, let’s look at some of Whitby’s most popular walks.

2. In Search of Dracula

What better way to spend a day in Whitby than discovering one of its most famous tales? The story of Count Dracula was written by Irish author Bram Stoker in the late 1800s – and much of it was inspired by Whitby. On this walking route, you’ll discover how.

Our guide to Whitby will point you in the right direction, and we’d also recommend joining a tour guide. They’ll show you all the sights that inspired Stoker, letting you sink your teeth into the Whitby Dracula legend.

3. Whitby Ghost Walk

Walk in Whitby.

For a walk on Whitby’s spooky side, join a ghost tour. Despite the scary-sounding name, it’s a great

Taking a trip to Whitby and fancy a scenic walk? You’re in luck. Some of the best sights and sounds on the North Yorkshire coast are within walking distance. Take a cliff edge walk along the North Sea or head out into the Moors – the choice is yours.

And there’s something for everyone. Whitby walks suit every type of day out – from a holiday stroll with an ice cream in hand to a full-blown coastal hike.

So, whether you’re looking for coastal paths with spectacular views of the North Sea, or a short walk to blow away the cobwebs, we’ve got a route for you. Take a look at our list of the best walks in Whitby.

4. Circular Walk around Whitby Abbey

For a more traditional Whitby walk, begin in the old town. From there, head towards the River Esk, to Church Street, then up the 199 Steps to Whitby Abbey.

At the top, take in the stunning cliff edge views before taking the circular route back down into Whitby. For non-climbers, you can also drive up to Whitby Abbey car park and wander around the clifftops at leisure.

Then, after all that walking, treat yourself to afternoon tea back in Whitby’s bustling cafes.

5. Whitby to Ruswarp

Now for some longer walks. For an easy-going route that takes in the lush Esk Valley, begin in Whitby and set your sights on the village of Ruswarp. This route is fantastic if you’re looking for dog walks in Whitby, as a mostly footpath and field-based walk.

All in all, the circular trail from Whitby to Ruswarp runs for around seven mostly flat miles. At a leisurely pace, you’ll be back in Whitby within three hours.

6. Whitby to Saltwick Bay

Saltwick Bay, North Yorkshire.

For a circular walk with a seaside setting, take the stroll from Whitby to Saltwick Bay. A five-mile route, you’ll begin in Whitby town and pass the 199 steps and Abbey along the way.

As a shorter route, it’s a great choice for families. At Saltwick Bay, you’ll find a quaint cafe for halfway refreshments. You might also take the chance to hunt for some Whitby jet on the beach. Once you’re ready, simply retrace your steps back to the town.

7. Whitby to Runswick Bay

Head in the opposite direction, north towards Saltburn-by-the-Sea, for another of our stunning coastal walks in Whitby. This time, you’ll take the Cleveland Way trail along the clifftops for about seven miles, all the way to the postcard perfect Runswick Bay.

The walk should take around three hours, and we recommend sturdy footwear. Once in Runswick Bay, you can catch a local bus back – or even walk it if you’re looking for a longer hike. Just remember to stop and take in the mesmerising views along the way.

8. Whitby to Sandsend loop

If you’re looking for a more leisurely coastal walk, head towards Runswick Bay but turn around once you’ve reached Sandsend. This makes a six-mile loop from Whitby, without missing out on the stunning scenery.

9. Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire.

For another fantastic cliff edge walk, take the Cleveland Way south for seven miles on the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay walk. You’ll pass Whitby Abbey and dramatic views out to sea before reaching the mythical smugglers’ hideout.

While many loop back from Robin Hood’s Bay towards Whitby – to make a 15-mile round trip – there are also buses available.

10. Whitby to Hawsker

Not all coastal walks in Whitby end at the beach. For a route that loops inland, try the Whitby to Hawsker circular route. You’ll start out on the cliffs, heading south towards Scarborough.

However, you’ll turn off the coastal route towards Hawsker, heading inland. You’ll then pass villages and farms before joining the flat cinder path back to Whitby.

This route is well signposted and is an excellent choice for families or dog walkers, taking around three hours to complete.

11. Grosmont to Whitby

We couldn’t make a list of walks in Whitby without heading into the North Yorkshire Moors. In the morning, catch a bus or train to Grosmont – then take the eight-mile walk back to Whitby.

This is simply one of the best walks in North Yorkshire. It’s fairly long, but the path is flat. You’ll also get some great rural landscapes along the way, as you wander through fields, farms and woodland.

12. Goathland Walkabout

Views of countryside in Goathland.

The final route on our list, in Goathland, is one of the walks near Whitby that shouldn’t be missed. To get there, catch a bus or jump on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line.

At Goathland, you’ll find a celebrity train station that starred in Harry Potter and Heartbeat. There are also many beautiful country walks. We recommend the three-mile circuit that takes in Mallyan Spout waterfall and Beck Hole.

Which one of these walks in Whitby will you take on? Don’t miss out. Take a look at our selection of Whitby cottages today and book your next coastal holiday.