Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay and Return along ECP
North Yorkshire
Distance 26km Climb 500m
Saturday 7 December 2019
On our first visit to Whitby, Anne had found a gem of a B&B in, Riftswood. We have stayed here a few times now, Paula and Pete along with Denzil make a visit to Whitby such a treat we would not look anywhere else. As usual Paula welcomed us with drinks and home made cake on our arrival the previous evening.
Before setting off we had one of Pete's very full English breakfasts, that set us up for the day. On an earlier visit to Whitby, we walked from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay. Today we were walking to Robin Hood's Bay by another route that Pete had mentioned during our last visit.
After a few hundred meters we reached another roundabout on the edge of Pannett Park where we turned right and walked down Chubb Hill Road. Passing the Pannett Park Floral Clock.
Walking down hill provided a little shelter from the very cold wind that was blowing in Whitby this morning.
At the bottom of the hill we turned right up South End Gardens.
Walking up the bank we headed towards the bridge and the Cinder Track, "Where Will it Take You?" Walking up the steps we were on the Cinder Track the old Whitby to Scarborough railway line.
We were heading southwards and the Track was muddy in places.
The Cinder Track passes under a few bridges.
Crossing the arches of the impressive Larpool Viaduct over the River Esk, looking slightly behind our left shoulders, north east, we could see Whitby Abbey.
A plaque on the Viaduct is dedicated to Sydney Smith who loved his bike. Looking right, west, in the near distance, we could see the spire of the Ruswarp Parish Church, Ruswarp which we passed on another walk during our last visit to Whitby. The Cleveland Hills where in the far distance, another walk on another occasion.
Over the Viaduct the Larpool Hall stood up to our left. The Cinder Track follows by a wall on our left that must belong to the Hall. After the wall there is open fields to the left crows were pecking amongst the stubble.
After a few hundred meters we were walking between trees again. It was very warm now and I had to shred a layer of clothing. Leaving the trees we were passing Broomfields Farm a camping and glamping site. It was very flat walking along here and as Anne was still having problems with her ankle this walk was ok.
As we were approaching Hall Farm I could see what looked like pigeons on the roof of the barn but looking closer they may have been doves?
The Cinder Track crosses over a road to Stainsacre, then after a few hundred meters turns south east to run by the A171.
After a few more hundred meters we reached some stationary train carriages at Hawsker.
This was where the Cinder Track crosses over the busy A171. Today we had not seen many people on the Track but there was signs that in the summer this would be a very busy walk.
Someone has set up an honesty box with drinks and snacks. There is a gentle climb up towards another bridge over the Track.
As the sea came into view we saw a number of starlings sitting on the wires. Why these wires near this pole and not other wires near other poles, I do not know but it was something to think about.
The gentle climb continues up as we passed a memorial post to Clifford and Rita Jones.
Reaching a road sign advising we were crossing a busy road we continued east along the Cinder Track. Next to a caravan site. Passing the caravan site we heard a man calling for his dog. We could still hear him calling for his dog for some time as we reached the top of the rise.
A National Trust sign showed we were in the area of Bottom House Farm, where the Cinder Track levelled a little.
For a few hundred meters we could see the sea down to our left and people walking along the Cleveland Way. Then we were between an area of high embankments. The Track was turning southwards a little.
Then we were back looking at the sea. A flock of swans, I think, came flying up the coast and looked fantastic against the grey sky.
The Track started gently down hill as we passed a sign showing we were at Bay Ness. After a few hundred meters moving steadily down hill and the far side of Robin Hood's Bay came into sight.
The Track starts to turn south west, "All Things Bright and Beautiful". Below to our left we could see more people walking the Cleveland Way.
After a few hundred meters the Track turns south west, high embankments cut Robin Hood's Bay from view. Another short drop down hill and a turn to the left and we were walking through the edge of Robin Hood's Bay.
We were at the junction where the Cleveland Way met the Cinder Track, turning right we were walking between houses. A left turn onto Whitby Road and a visit to The Grosvenor for a drink and a short rest.
After our rest and refreshment we walked down into the Old Town.
Wandering about the narrow streets and ally ways.
It was Victorian Dressing up Day again and many people were dressed in their Victorian finery or as pirates.
After a look about and checking a few things out, we set off back up the bank, up along New Road.
Another quick diversion to look across the Bay
We then walked back up the New Road. At the top of the bank we read a memorial to a ship that had ran aground in Robin Hood's Bay in 1881. Where the weather was so bad they brought the Whitby lifeboat over land through snowdrifts to safe all the crew of the "Visitor".
Looking at what time we had, continued up New Road onto the Whitby Road, where I left Anne at the bus stop. I was a little earlier than last year so should be back before it was too dark. At the junction of the Cleveland Way and the Cinder Track I spotted a couple of walkers. They were heading for the Cinder Track as I was heading for the Cleveland Way and The English Costal Path.
After a few hundred meters from the gate I passed a sign showing I was walking along the bottom of Rocket Post Field. In part I could see the couple on the Cinder Track at various times on my way back.
It was very muddy in a lot of places and I had to take care not to slip. In places I felt I may have slipped over the cliffs edge.
The views were stunning. Down below I could see a fishing boat and felt he was following me along the coast.
There was high stunning cliffs. A field I walked by was full of oyster catchers, pecking in the grass.
Although I was earlier than last year the sun was setting quickly, so no time to hang about. The slippery path led down to a stone path and old gate posts and a dingily dell.
A little further on and another dingily dell there are a few along here and I took care going down the slippery sides.
As usual I took too many photos and unfortunately I cannot show all my photos here, but it was beautiful.
As the path turns by a field of stubble there is another slippery area to negotiate before dropping down to another dingily dell. The stone steps were slippery as I took my time stepping down. Beneath some trees, at the bottom a stream was running through the dell. Then it was up the other side. At the top the path cuts across a couple of fields.
Another short drop and then a little more up to the tops. Down below I could see the lighthouse, I had been looking for this. It was lovely along here.
The path twists down to the right and then round to the left. Again I took my time as it was very slippery and felt I could so easily go over the edge. When the path levels a little it starts to climb gently taking me up and around behind the lighthouse.
Passed the lighthouse The Way crosses the road and follows between a field and the lighthouse wall, dropping back down to the cliffs edge. Turning left I followed the fence and after a few meters passed under the Whitby Fog Station. After a few more hundred meters the slippery path climbs some steps into a field.
Now there was at least a fence between me and the cliffs edge.
Passing through a few fields I reached the road into the caravan park. It was now starting to get a lot darker. Lights were coming on in a few of the caravans. The Way leads through the caravan park.
Leaving the caravan park the path leads up some steps and Whitby Abbey came into view.
Now it was an easy path to follow, walking between fences marking the route with fields on my left and cliffs on my right. Whitby Abbey was getting larger and darker with each step.
The Way passes around the houses on East Cliff near the Abbey. Turning right onto Abbey Lane and headed towards Whitby Abbey House. This was where my photos do not turn out as good as they could.
Passing through the gates I walked onto Church Lane down through St Mary's Parish Church grave yard. It was then down the 199 steps, although I counted 197 this time?
Then following the road round to the left.
I had arranged to meet Anne near the bridge but before I did I had to wait for the Whitby Krampus Run to pass.
When we met up we decided to return to Riftswood for now and come back to town later for something to eat.
I had walked 26km with 500m climb, it had been a great day for walking with such stunning views.
More to follow
Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done on The English Coastal Path or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
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