Whitby - Sandsend - Runswick Bay

Sam Roebuck

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This is a linear walk, with one way by bus. It starts in the busy family seaside resort of Whitby – famous for many things, including its Dracula connections, Whitby Jet, Whitby Abbey and many more. I recommend that you allow time in your schedule to explore it.

The walk takes the Cleveland Way, through the whalebone arch, high above Whitby's colourful beach huts and onwards to the smaller seaside resort of Sandsend. From Sandsend, the hustle and bustle is left behind in favour of the tranquillity of some truly stunning clifftop walking. The last few hundred metres are along Runswick Bay's sandy beach, before a last climb to the bus stop.

Dog-walkers, please note the presence of a couple of dog-unfriendly stiles and some sheer drops. Also, part of the walk is beside the A174.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Coast

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Museum, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

7/6/2021 - nicknjenk@googlemail.com Jenkinson

There has been a landslide just north of Sandsend which necessitates a rather demanding diversion up to the top of the cliffs. Time will tell whether the old route can be reclaimed but be prepared for an extra mile or so in your route. Also if the tide is in at Runswick Bay, you can take the old railway track instead but it is a longer route. It is worth assessing the beach from Kettleness after ascertaining the time of the high tide because it might still be possible. It was no trouble for us, one hour after high tide.

4/13/2018 - Sarah Shepherd

This walk is easy to follow using the app. The walk was the muddiest I have ever been on and the route down to the beach was very difficult in the muddy wet conditions. I feel I must mention the fact you cannot get round to Runswick when the tide is in, check the tide times before embarking on this walk. We were stranded and had to wait for the tide to turn and still got very wet!!

2/19/2015 - Anthony Miller

I did this when the tide was out and was able to do the stretch from Whitby to waypoint 11 on the beach.

7/3/2014 - Patricia Daw

1.7.14 Fabulous walk. Easy to follow and fantastic scenery. Enjoyed walking on the beach virtually on the way from Whitby to Sandsend. At Runswick Bay we just missed the bus so sat and had tea and cake in the house opposite the bus stop - open April to Oct. On a Sunday the bus is every hour at ten past the hour.

4/1/2011 - Tom McCulloch

Had a lovely but very windy walk. Sadly when we reached the Hotel at the end it was closed until the evening.