Autumn has to be one of the best times of year to embrace nature and go out for a walk. With its vibrant colours, crunching leaves, and cool, invigorating air, what better reason is there to get outdoors? If you have been spending your time struggling on the internet trying to find the best routes, then we are here to help. We have got a corker of a walk for you on the beautiful North Yorkshire coast.
The walk starts and finishes in two of the most popular locations on the North Yorkshire coast – Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. This 6 mile journey goes down the famous Cinder Track. The Cinder Track used to be the Scarborough to Whitby Railway. However, following its closure in 1965, this picturesque 21.7-mile route has become loved by walkers and cyclists ever since.
A Journey Through Nature, History, and a Link to a Gothic Tale
At Whitby, you can access the Cinder Track at Stakesby Vale, next to Beevers Whitby Ltd, the well-known local furniture store. From here you will take the steps up to the track. At the top you will find a Sustrans Millennium Milepost, which marks the start of your exciting journey to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Along the way you will pass over the historic Larpool Viaduct, offering stunning views across the River Esk, Whitby Harbour, and Whitby Abbey. The 915-foot-long and 120-foot-high viaduct was built between 1882 and 1884 and became Grade II listed in 1972. It is even mentioned in Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula, adding to the town’s major influence on the author’s work.
From the viaduct, you will continue to trek through stunning and peaceful North Yorkshire countryside and woodland, passing through Cock Mill Wood, Stainsacre, and Hawsker (passing the old railway station), before finally arriving at the charming seaside fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Take some time to look around the village as it has a fascinating history full of tales of smugglers and gangs (they are all gone now, don’t worry). It has narrow, twisting alleyways and streets, and lovely red-roofed old fishing cottages. There is also the sandy beach and dramatic coastline to enjoy, which are also great for fossil hunting, if you fancy a bit of prehistoric fun.
Our Pub Recommendations Along the Way
One of the best things about doing a long walk is stopping off for a pint and a bit of food to refuel. Well, the Cinder Track route has some fantastic and welcoming Yorkshire pubs along the way. Here are our standouts:
Whitby Brewery, Whitby
If you want a pint before starting your journey, then we highly recommend Whitby Brewery. Located next to Whitby Abbey in a stunning converted barn, it is an ale lover’s dream. They serve up cracking local lagers, craft beers, and cask ales, including Abbey Blonde, Whitby Whaler, Smuggler’s Gold, and Saltwick Nab. If you’re feeling hungry, they also serve delicious stone-baked pizza.
The Windmill Inn, Stainsacre
As you pass through Stainsacre village, call in at The Windmill Inn. This traditional Yorkshire pub serves home-cooked meals using locally sourced produce, including classics such as fish and chips, roast dinners, and pie of the day. There is also an excellent range of bitters, ciders, lagers, local ales, and at least two cask ales. There is also a great beer garden, perfect for relaxing on a sunny day.
The Hare and Hounds, High Hawsker
Next stop is the Hare and Hounds in High Hawsker. This cosy Yorkshire pub serves up proper home-cooked pub classics, refreshing local ales, and you are always guaranteed a warm welcome. Dishes include their famous steak and ale pie, seafood and chorizo linguine, Whitby scampi, Sunday lunch, and chicken parmo. Their sweet treats are also worth the visit alone. You can get caramel Freddo brownies, Hounds Eton mess, and Kinder Bueno sundae (we are sure your mouth is watering).
The Laurel Inn, Robin Hoods Bay
One of our favourite Yorkshire pubs here at The Yorkshireman, and the perfect place to celebrate the end of your walk. It is tucked away halfway down the steep hill that leads into the village. It is a proper pub that makes you feel like you are stepping back in time – think cask ales, wooden beams, a roaring fire in winter, and cosy rooms to enjoy your pint.
Once you have finished enjoying your pint and your food, then it is time to make your way back to Whitby. If you still have life in your legs, you can go back the way you came along the Cinder Track. Alternatively, there are buses from Robin Hood’s Bay back to Whitby.
So, put on your walking boots and discover the beautiful Cinder Track along the Yorkshire Coast. You will have a walk that’s full of nature, history, wonderful landscapes, and of course, the finest Yorkshire pubs.
Read More: 11 Things To Do In Robin Hood’s Bay One Of The Prettiest Seaside Villages
