25/10/2026
This might be useful for some of my keen walking guests. 🥾
🚂 SCARBOROUGH TO WHITBY: SIX COASTAL WALKS USING THE CINDER TRACK
🥾 One of my favourite ways to explore the Yorkshire coast is to combine the Cleveland Way with the Cinder Track. The two routes often run within a short distance of each other, making it possible to create some excellent circular walks between Scarborough and Whitby.
🚂 The Cinder Track follows the former Scarborough and Whitby Railway, which opened in 1885 and closed in 1965. Stretching for approximately 22 miles, the old railway line now provides a shared route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
🌊 What makes these walks particularly enjoyable is the contrast between the two routes. The Cleveland Way follows the dramatic clifftops, with sweeping views of the North Sea, secluded bays and picturesque coastal villages. The Cinder Track takes you through quieter countryside, woodland and farmland, generally following the gentler gradients of the former railway.
🗺️ Here are six circular walks I've enjoyed, combining sections of these two routes.
🏘️ WHITBY FROM ROBIN HOOD'S BAY — 13¼ MILES
🥾 Starting in Robin Hood's Bay, this longer walk follows the Cleveland Way north along the spectacular clifftops to Whitby. Highlights include Whitby Abbey, St Mary's Church, the famous 199 Steps and the historic harbour. The return follows the Cinder Track across Larpool Viaduct and through Hawsker before reaching Robin Hood's Bay.
https://www.paulbeal.com/whitby-walk/
🌊 ROBIN HOOD'S BAY AND HIGH HAWSKER — 9¼ MILES
🥾 A lovely circular route exploring Robin Hood's Bay before heading north along the Cleveland Way. The coastal path passes Rain Dale and several wooded ravines, with magnificent views along the cliffs. The route then turns inland towards High Hawsker, returning to Robin Hood's Bay along the Cinder Track.
https://www.paulbeal.com/robin-hoods-bay-walk/
⛰️ RAVENSCAR AND ROBIN HOOD'S BAY — 8¾ MILES
🥾 One of my favourite stretches of the Yorkshire coast, following the Cleveland Way from Ravenscar past the remains of the historic Peak Alum Works and through Boggle Hole to Robin Hood's Bay. After exploring the village, the route returns through the countryside along the Cinder Track, with wonderful views back across the bay.
https://www.paulbeal.com/ravenscar-walk/
🌿 HAYBURN WYKE AND RAVENSCAR — 9¼ MILES
🥾 Beginning near Hayburn Wyke, this walk visits the beautiful woodland, waterfall and rocky beach before following the Cleveland Way north towards Ravenscar. Along the way, you'll pass the remains of a Second World War radar station and enjoy some outstanding coastal views. The return follows the Cinder Track past the former railway stations at Ravenscar and Staintondale.
https://www.paulbeal.com/hayburn-wyke-walk/
🌳 CLOUGHTON WYKE AND HAYBURN WYKE — 8¾ MILES
🥾 Starting near Burniston, this route follows the Cleveland Way past Crook Ness, Cloughton Wyke and the excellent viewpoint at Rodger Trod before reaching the wooded valley at Hayburn Wyke. The return initially follows peaceful woodland paths alongside Hayburn Beck before joining the Cinder Track for the journey back towards Burniston.
https://www.paulbeal.com/cloughton-wyke-walk/
🏖️ SCARBOROUGH AND BURNISTON — 8¼ MILES
🥾 Starting at Scarborough's North Bay, this walk follows the Cleveland Way north along the clifftops to Crook Ness. From there, the route turns inland to join the Cinder Track, passing through Burniston and Scalby before returning to Scarborough. The final section passes through the beautiful Peasholm Glen and Peasholm Park, providing a lovely finish to the walk.
https://www.paulbeal.com/scarborough-walk/
