Grosmont to Whitby (Esk Valley Walk 4)

A point-to-point linear walk of 8 miles (12.9 km) one way, running from Grosmont station to the pier at Whitby. It is the fourth and final stage of the 37 mile Esk Valley Walk, not the whole route, and the mileage above is one way rather than a loop or a there-and-back. Typical walking time is around 3 hours 20 minutes, with about 627 feet of ascent and a height range of roughly sea level to 94 metres.

The official route description also notes a riverside permitted footpath option out of Ruswarp. That is a separate variant and not the line described here.

• Leave Grosmont station, pass under the railway bridge and cross the bridge out of the village.
• Follow lane and bridleway past Grosmont Farm and Fotherley's Farm, with woods and field edges leading on to Newbiggin Hall, a stream bridge and farm roads.
• Cross the main road towards Ruswarp, then a bridge and the railway, passing the cricket pitch and Echo Hill before Hagg House and two more railway crossings bring you into Ruswarp.
• From Ruswarp the Esk Valley Walk line climbs stone trods and steps, crosses the old railway cutting and the Cinder Track, passes school playing fields, then uses an underpass and the harbour side to finish at Whitby pier.

Graded difficult, mainly because of the length. In practice much of it is fairly level bridleway and field walking, so stamina matters more than technique. Expect:

Boots with grip and tolerance for wet feet are sensible.

• Several gates and some stiles.
• Muddy or boggy ground where livestock and horses have churned the surface.
• A steepish descent and ascent on steps between Ruswarp and Whitby.
• A mix of bridleway, field paths, farm roads and stretches of tarmac.

There are level crossings on the working railway, including two close together near Ruswarp, so cross promptly and keep children and dogs close. There is road traffic to deal with at Sleights, Ruswarp and in Whitby, and the route passes through farmyards with livestock. Near the finish you share space with cyclists on the Cinder Track and with pedestrians around the harbour.

Because the walk is one way, plan the return before you start. The usual approach is to travel from Whitby to Grosmont by train and then walk back, which leaves you finishing where the cafes, pubs and restaurants are. Access at the start is at Grosmont station and its access road and car park. If you drive, arrange a lift, taxi or train back rather than assuming a shuttle. Villages on the way offer refreshments, though it is worth carrying water and food rather than relying on anything being open.

Dogs are welcome. Keep them on a short lead near livestock and under close control at railway crossings, on roads, and where cyclists and horse riders share the path.