Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay

This is a point-to-point coastal section of the Cleveland Way, measured one way at 7.0 miles (11.26 km). There is no loop back, so plan your return before you set off. Most walkers take about 3 to 4 hours with photo stops and the ordinary climbs along the way.

Start at the Swing Bridge and St Ann's Staith in central Whitby, using the town car parks as your access point rather than a dedicated trail lot. The climb up the 199 Steps comes early, bringing you to the Abbey side of the headland. From there the signed path turns south past Saltwick Bay, on past the high lighthouse and former foghorn station, then follows the cliff line across fields and tracks to the upper village of Robin Hood's Bay. Any cafe along the way may or may not be open when you pass.

Moderate, around 5 out of 10. The path is well signed and the footing is reasonably straightforward, but the steps, the repeated ups and downs, gates and field paths, and a few stream crossing places all add up. Winter and wet spells bring mud. Terrain samples along the corridor range from roughly sea level to about 89 m, which gives a sense of the rolling clifftop profile rather than a total ascent figure. A current map or GPS is worth carrying even on a signed trail.

Sections run close to unfenced, sheer cliff edges, and near Robin Hood's Bay the path narrows between the drop and houses. Keep children close and stay away from the edge, especially in wind.

Dogs are allowed on this public rights of way route. Keep them on a short lead or under close control near livestock and along unfenced cliffs, and never let them chase animals or birds. Short leads matter most in sensitive nesting periods.

At the eastern end of Mount Pleasant North in Robin Hood's Bay, coastal erosion has led to a long-standing inland diversion: the route crosses Rocket Post Field and drops down an accessible ramp onto a short stretch of the Cinder Track as it enters the village. Follow the waymarked diversion and do not attempt the eroded cliff line.

The walk ends at the upper village, near the Station Road and Bank Top parking area, where there is food and onward public transport. The stored route stops at the village approach and does not descend to the shore; the walk down into the lower village is steep and vehicle access there is difficult. For the return, walkers commonly either follow the inland Cinder Track back toward Whitby or take the X93/X94 bus from Thorpe Lane. Check current times yourself, as services vary.