One of the best things to do in autumn is to get out into the great outdoors. It is a magical time of year with leaves crunching underfoot, vibrant colours, and invigorating air. And what better place to enjoy an autumn walk than the stunning North Yorkshire coast?
We are sure that after completing your walk, you’ll be craving some delicious scran. Another bonus of a trip along the coast is that the many villages you come across have some of the finest fish and chip shops in the country.
Therefore, we have put together a guide to three of the best circular walks on the North Yorkshire coast along with our recommendations for where to get your tasty fish and chips.
Flamborough Head Short Circular Walk
Our first walk takes you to the picturesque seaside town of Bridlington. The Flamborough Head Short Circular Walk is a 7-mile walk, offering wonderful views of the coast and the chance to spot the vast array of wildlife you’ll come across.
The walk is part of the larger East Riding Heritage Way. As you make your way along the coast, you will experience sights such as:
- The white cliffs at Thornwick Bay.
- Gannets, puffins, and razorbills at Bempton Cliffs.
- Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, where you can take in the landscape and the incredible seabird colonies
- Flamborough Lighthouse – the oldest surviving lighthouse in Britain, dating back to 1674.
- The 14th-century Flamborough Castle.
The final stretch takes you along Tower Street, which will lead you back the way you came (so, no chance of getting lost!). The walk does have some steep sections, but overall it is an easy walk. So, it is perfect for a stroll along the coast in the crisp autumn weather.
Where to Stop Off For Fish and Chips
Now for the important bit. We are sure that after your walk you will be Hank Marvin. Well, luckily for you, there is a great Fish and Chip shop located in Flamborough. Lighthouse Fisheries is a nationally award-winning business offering sustainable, fresh, and locally sourced fish, crab cakes, and triple-cooked chips.
Don’t just take our word for it. Lighthouse Fisheries is the proud winner of the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards Fish and Chip Takeaway of the Year 2024 and 2026/27 Good Food Award winner – Gold Seal.
Sandsend to Mulgrave Woods and Old Mulgrave Castle Circular Walk
As total foodies, Sandsend has quickly become one of our favourite places in Yorkshire. This trendy but quiet coastal fishing village not only has beautiful views but also has a great range of eateries.
If you decide to take a trip to Sandsend, we are sure you want to go for a walk to explore the area. Well, the Sandsend to Mulgrave Woods and Old Mulgrave Castle circular walk takes you on a journey from the beach to peaceful woodland and an interesting historic ruin.
It is an easy 4-mile walk, which doesn’t involve anything too difficult. There are just a few small inclines and woodland paths, which can get a bit slippery. We would recommend taking some sturdy walking boots or shoes. The walk should take you approximately 2 hours to complete.
Your journey will take you through some spectacular sights, including Mulgrave Woods, which are part of a vast estate. You will also come across the Grade I listed and Scheduled Monument Old Mulgrave Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. While you are there, you will enjoy incredible views of East Row Beck and Sandsend Beck.
For more information about this walk, check out our guide.
Where to Stop Off For Fish and Chips
After completing your walk, we know the ideal place for a delicious fish supper. Located just 20 yards from the beach, Fish Cottage serves up traditional fish and chips, mushy peas, and tartar sauce. Yum! However, this is far more than just a classic fish and chip shop. They also serve dishes such as:
- Lobster with garlic butter
- Prawn and chimichurri linguine
- Dressed crab
- Tacos (these are wonderful!), including fish, crispy king prawn, and curried cauliflower.
Mouthwatering? Well, head down to Fish Cottage for seafood goodness on your next trip to Sandsend.
Robin Hood’s Bay circular coastal walk
Robin Hood’s Bay is a picture-perfect fishing village located 6 miles from Whitby and 15 miles from Scarborough. It offers little red-roofed fishing cottages, a labyrinth of ginnels to explore, and a dramatic coastline. It really is one of the gems of the North Yorkshire coast.
What better way to explore it than going on a good walk? The Robin Hood’s Bay Circular lets you take on a bite-sized chunk of the famous Cleveland Way. You will start in the village and make your way towards Hawkser Bottoms along the coastal path on North Yorkshire’s Jurassic Coast. Along the way, you will see dramatic cliffs, historic paths, and fossil-rich foreshores. Make sure you look out for the array of wildlife on the cliffs, including puffins and razorbills.
Once you’ve reached Hawkser Bottoms, you simply return along the same coastal path. In total, the walk is approximately 4 miles, and it is an easy route to follow. So it is ideal for those wanting a simple but stunning autumn walk.
Where to Stop Off For Fish and Chips
Our recommendation for Robin Hood’s Bay is Fish Box. You will find this delightful fish and chip shop at the top of Bay Bank. As it is on the cliff top, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and out to sea.
They serve up all the classics and your favourites – cod and chips, haddock and chips, Whitby wholetail scampi, jumbo sausage, steak pie, chicken pie, and fish cakes. There is outside seating, so you can sit back and enjoy the view. Or if it is a cold autumn day, you can keep snug, warm, and dry by sitting inside in the restaurant.
So, head down to the North Yorkshire coast this autumn and enjoy the great outdoors and some delicious fish and chips.
Read More: 12 Of The Best Fish & Chips On The Yorkshire Coast
