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During my stay at the charming Broomhouse B&B in Egton Bridge, I discovered one of my favorite things to do in Northern England which was hiking the Cleveland Way. Now, this trail stretches an impressive 109 miles from the town of Filey to Helmsley, but I did not tackle the whole thing! Instead, I conquered only about 16 miles of it, and let me tell you, hiking the Cleveland Way is hands down one of the best things to do in Yorkshire, England.
The Cleveland Way runs along the dramatic Northern Coast of England, with breathtaking green landscapes, cliffs, and quaint fishing villages. I took on two sections of this iconic trail over two days. The first section was the picturesque 6.5-mile trek from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, and the second spanned 9 miles from Staithes to Sandsend.
Now, getting there required a bit of planning. For the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay section, we had friends drop us off at the starting point and meet us at the end with the car to bring us back to our cozy B&B. For the Staithes to Sandsend stretch, we parked at Sandsend and hopped on a bus to Staithes, so our car was waiting for us at the finish line.
So, let me dive into what made each of these sections one of my absolute favorite things to do in Yorkshire, England!
Hiking The Cleveland Way: Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay (6.5 miles)
For a hike that combines captivating scenery with a refreshing challenge, the route from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay is a perfect coastal escape. I started my morning exploring the historic town of Whitby. I explored the shops, ate lunch at W Hamond Tea Rooms, and I walked up the 199 steps to the famous Whitby Abbey. This was a great way to warm up my legs and get an incredible view of Whitby. After I was done exploring, it was time to begin the 6.5-mile walk on the Cleveland Way!
The Route
Where to Start: Begin your hike at the Whitby Abbey parking lot. The abbey itself is worth a visit before you set off, and you can soak in the incredible views over Whitby and the coast. From here, follow the signs for the Cleveland Way, which will lead you along clifftop paths with the North Sea glistening beside you. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with some dips of incline, it is suitable for most skill levels.
Along the way, you will pass through scenic landscapes like rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and the endless horizon of the sea. You will also see plenty of sheep and cows grazing in the grass.
One of the highlights of this section is the picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Located at the end of your hike, this quaint fishing village is the perfect reward for your efforts. The narrow, winding streets are lined with charming cottages, cozy pubs, and local shops, making it an ideal spot to relax after your trek. I recommend treating yourself to some fresh fish and chips and ice cream!
Logistics and Tips
- Starting Point: Whitby Abbey parking lot: there is ample parking or easily accessible if you get dropped off.
- End Point: Robin Hood’s Bay: this village also has a parking lot.
- Getting Back: As I mentioned earlier, we had friends meet us at the end, but if you are hiking solo, there is a local bus service that can take you back to Whitby or vice versa depending on which end you want to park.
- Difficulty: Moderate: while the trail is well-maintained, there are some up-and-down sections that can get steep and some steps might get your heart pumping.
- Best Time to Go: Spring and summer offer the best weather and views, but fall also adds a beautiful touch of color to the landscape. Always prepare for rain in England, and wear layers!
Hiking The Cleveland Way: Staithes to Sandsend (9 miles)
Another great section of the Cleveland Way is the route from Staithes to Sandsend. This section has similar cliffs and water views as the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay section, but it covers more ground and more diverse terrain such as the rugged coastlines, more charming villages, and a special treat of a large beach!
The Route
Where to Start: Start your hike in the village of Staithes. There is a parking lot and bus drop-off spot at the top of the village, so you will need to walk down through the narrow streets to the harbor, where the Cleveland Way picks up. There are some spots to stop and grab food if you need some energy before you head off. As you leave Staithes behind, the trail takes you up and along the cliffs, offering stunning panoramic views.
The path here is a bit more challenging and longer than the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay section, with a few more spots of incline but the scenery makes every step worth it.
You will pass through the peaceful village of Runswick Bay, where the beach is a perfect spot for a quick rest or a picnic. There is a massive hill leading down to the beach that made me feel incredibly fortunate to be descending rather than climbing. However, we had to make up for it on the other side of the beach, tackling a steep ascent! Continuing, you will eventually reach Sandsend, a lovely coastal village with a wide sandy beach that is ideal for a post-hike stroll.
Logistics & Tips
- Starting Point: Staithes: park or get dropped off by the bus at the top of the village, then walk down to the harbor to start your hike.
- End Point: Sandsend: parking is available, and there are a few cafes where you can grab a well-deserved snack.
- Getting Back: We parked at Sandsend and took the bus to Staithes, which worked out perfectly.
- Difficulty: Moderate: this section has more elevation changes and is longer than the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay section, but it is more than manageable for most hikers with stamina.
- Best Time to Go: Like the first section, spring through fall is ideal. The coastal winds can be strong, so layers are always a good idea.
Why You Should Hike These Sections
Hiking the Cleveland Way offers an extraordinary way to experience Yorkshire’s rugged coastline, and these two sections are particularly magical. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a day, the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes to Sandsend hikes offer something for everyone. The combination of stunning scenery, quaint villages, and the joy of being out in nature makes these hikes an unforgettable experience, and why it was one of my favorite things to do in Yorkshire, England!
Not only will you get to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern England, but you will also have the chance to explore charming villages and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way; I really loved all of the sheep we saw! Plus, with the flexibility of breaking the trail into manageable sections, it is easy to fit these hikes into any travel itinerary.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a trip to Northern England, make sure to allocate time to hike these sections of the Cleveland Way. Trust me, these hikes are so fun and a great way to experience the area! Whether you are chasing coastal views, seeking solitude, or simply wanting to explore Yorkshire’s rich history and culture, these hikes are perfect!
If you have any questions about hiking the Cleveland Way or if you have tackled a section yourself (whether it is one of the ones I explored or a different part) I would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to reach out and share your recommendations or stories, especially if you have completed the entire trail. Let us keep the conversation going and inspire each other with our adventures!
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