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Please keep dogs on leads 🐑🐍 / Fire Risk: High 🔥
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 67.14 miles
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day hiking adventure, a circular trail beginning and concluding at Scarborough train station, encompassing approximately 67 miles of breathtaking North Yorkshire scenery and fascinating heritage. This captivating route seamlessly blends the rugged beauty of the King Charles III England Coast Path with the charm of quintessential English villages and the dramatic landscapes of the North York Moors National Park.
Your journey commences along the famed England Coast Path, leading you to the enchanting village of Robin Hood's Bay, a place steeped in smuggling lore and boasting picturesque, winding streets tumbling down to the sea. Continuing along the coast, you'll arrive in Whitby, a town renowned for its imposing abbey – the gothic inspiration for Dracula – its vibrant Goth festivals, and, of course, its delectable fish and chips.
Leaving the coast behind, the trail meanders inland towards Grosmont, offering delightful views alongside the historic North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Fans of the television series "Heartbeat" and the "Harry Potter" film franchise will recognise the iconic steam trains that traverse this line. The path then leads you through the charming hamlet of Beck Hole and past the cascading waters of Mallyan Spout, before venturing across the expansive and dramatic heather-clad moors towards Newtondale.
Descending from the moors, you'll reach Newton-on-Rawcliffe, from where the route guides you towards Levisham. A rewarding stop awaits at the welcoming Fox and Rabbit pub before you cross the road and immerse yourself in the tranquil paths of Dalby Forest. The final leg of your hike takes you through High Yedmandale and the village of West Ayton, gradually leading you back towards the vibrant seaside town of Scarborough and your starting point at the train station.
This multi-day trek offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from coastal exploration and historical discovery to moorland solitude and woodland tranquility. It's a journey that will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories of the stunning North Yorkshire landscape.
Day 1 (15.42 miles)
Leaving the train station at Scarborough I made my way towards the castle and the impressive views down the promenade and beach. From here you can really appreciate the large inlet that makes up Scarborough and why it prospered here. After a swift climb you find yourself on the cliff tops and another fantastic view. Heading towards Ravenscar then onto Robin Hoods bay you have mile upon mile of blissful silence just listening to the waves and birds. Pearlescent seas meet rocky cliffs and fields of every green, brown and yellow you could imagine, it is clear to see why they call this ‘Gods own country’. Do not think this an easy path, although well signed and well walked just remember that every down hill section will have a climb after. Steep steps drop you down into pretty little coves and wooded gorges (many of them!) with equally long and steep climbs out.
Campsite: Hooks House Farm
Day 2 (15.18 miles)
A gentler start on day 2 getting the muscles moving with a stroll along the Cinder track (an old railway line that once connected Scarborough and Whitby) before breaking off to rejoin the coastal path. After a few miles you reach a lighthouse and foghorn, shortly after the looming ruins of Whitby abbey come into view. It is well worth a visit to the Abbey and Museum as well as a cuppa and cake in the YHA cafe (to top up water of course). Head through the town past the train station and follow the river. Today has much more road walking than I would usually like but they all seemed relatively quiet. Rising gently up the Valley sides through little woodlands and fields of livestock you eventually come to Lady Cross Plantation Caravan site and my stop for the night. It is worth noting that this is normally caravans, motor homes, and lodges only, please check with the owners before turning up.
Campsite: Ladycross Lodge & Touring Park
Day 3 (14.81 miles)
Heading back down the road you soon reach the pretty village of Grosmont and its railway heritage. From here you join onto the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trail (rail trail) towards the village of Gothland, it is largely flat and has some interesting information boards to read on route. The farmland of the morning soon changes to steep sided woodland valleys, a pleasant respite from the hot sun so far on this walk (yes Yorkshire does have sun sometimes!). Veer of the path and walk towards the Mallyan Spout waterfall, this path is rough in places and takes a bit of a scramble right next to the waterfall. Climbing steeply out of the valley you head towards the village of Gothland (Aidensfield to Heatbeat fans), you can spend some time here exploring if you like but remember you still have many miles to do. I would suggest visiting the Mallyan Spout hotel/cafe before continuing and refilling your water as this is the last source for many miles of moorland and forest. Climb onto the moor and head towards a large stone cairn (Simon Howe) at which point you can really appreciate the panoramic views of moorland, forests and scattered farms that make up this landscape. Heading off the moor into the forest you then have many miles of forestry tracks and roads eventually leading you to campsite 3 and a much needed rest.
Campsite: Bank Top Camping
Day 4 (14.18 miles)
Heading down the road towards past Newton-on-Rawcliffe and over the North Yorkshire Moors Railway you climb steeply up the valley and into Dalby Forest. The forest would make a stunning day out in itself especially with kids but we must go on to get to the campsite. After a quick refuel and water fill at the visitors centre we head up one of the forest drives and into the deep woods. Continue through the various plantations for around 10 miles winding your way slowly towards Scarborough, most of these areas are pine plantations rather than native but the solitude and simplicity of just putting one foot in front of the other can be mesmerising. Heading out of the forest you start to see fields and crops before dropping down to the campsite for night 4. At this point you can make a choice to either stop for the night and finish tomorrow or head down to the village of West Ayton where a regular bus service will take you back to Scarborough.
Campsite: High Yedmandale Farm
Day 5 (7.55 miles)
A short walk today taking you back to Scarborough. Start by heading down to West Ayton, past East Ayton and up onto Irton Moor. After a short time you then head down the valley and through the suburbs back to the station.
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