Staithes - Skinningrove - Saltburn - Skelton

Sam Roebuck

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This is a linear walk with one way by bus and for those walking the Cleveland Way using Walkingworld Walks, it constitutes the sixth leg. It begins at the bustling little fishing village of Staithes, from where we climb northwards up to the highest point of the National Trail so far. Even those who have walked the previous legs of the Cleveland Way along the Yorkshire coast will find the views here amazing.

This part of the Yorkshire Coast is a Countryside Agency Heritage Coast. This means that it has 'notable natural beauty or scientific significance'. I don't feel qualified to comment on the scientific part of that statement, but the notable natural beauty is without question. This really is a stunning piece of coastline.

I feel I should also mention at this stage that the coastal section of the Cleveland Way is also part of the North Sea Trail (a series of unconnected trails along the coasts of seven countries around the North Sea) and you will see the logo here and there.

Our first port of call is the small coastal village of Skinningrove. As you approach from high above on the clifftop, this little village is dominated by industrial structures, but once you're down by the shore it has a much different feel. Here, you'll also find the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum (about 750m off our route). This museum offers 'the opportunity to experience the underground world of a real ironstone mine in the company of enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides'. I didn't get chance to visit this attraction, but would welcome comments if you do.

On the next leg, over to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, there are a number of points of interest, including the site of an old Roman signal station. This is one of a string of similar installations along this part of the coast, built during the late Roman period to alert the Roman fleet to a seaborne attack. There is also Guibal Fanhouse, a registered Ancient Monument, which once extracted stale air from the Huntcliff Ironstone Mine far below. Lastly, there's an enigmatic circular sculpture. Again, I can't find any details about this, so please leave a comment if you have any information.

The next stop is the family coastal resort of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. There's much to explore here and no visit would be complete without a stroll along the pier.

Our last leg, back to Skelton, is along the wooded valley and gorge of Skelton Beck, delightful walking with a massive Victorian railway viaduct thrown in for good measure.

Dog walkers: there is one dog-unfriendly stile on the route. It may be required that your dog be on a lead in some of the National Trust-owned coast. The walk runs close to some dangerous drops for much of its length, so my advice would be that your dog be kept on a lead at all times.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Humberside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Museum, National Trust, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, River, Sea, Toilets, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland