Yorkshire is full of breathtaking walks. It is filled with routes that take you on scenic tours of this beautiful county, allowing you to get away from it all. If you are itching to take on your next walk, may we suggest exploring the magnificent East Yorkshire coast on the Flamborough Head to Danes Dyke circular.
This stunning walk will put you through your paces. It is approximately 10 miles (16.1km) and will take you around 3 to 4 hours to complete. While it will certainly tire you out, it is so worth it for the incredible sights you will see.
A Mixture of History and Nature’s Beauty
You can begin the walk at Danes Dyke Nature Reserve, one of East Yorkshire Coast’s hidden gems. You will follow the path through ancient woodland. Danes Dyke itself is a 2.6-mile (4km) Iron Age defensive ditch that cuts right across the Flamborough Headland. You’ll feel like part of history as you walk through the atmospheric woods.
As you emerge from the woodland, you will reach the coast at Dykes End. Here, the white chalk pebbles, and wonderful sea views provide you with the first taste of the scenery ahead. The path then follows the clifftops, offering a mixture of views of the North Sea and sweeping farmland and wildflower meadows inland.
At the midway point, you’ll come across the Flamborough Head lighthouse, which was built in 1806. It is the perfect location for a stop-off and a rest. You will enjoy fantastic sea views, experience a piece of maritime history, and you can refuel in the Flamborough Lighthouse cafe. You can go inside the lighthouse and take the tour, which climbs 119 steps to the top.
White Cliffs of Yorkshire
After the lighthouse, you’ll continue the walk northwards. The cliff tops are fairly easy to follow; however, it is a challenging part of the walk. The route repeatedly drops into sheltered coves before climbing back to the top of the cliffs. The cliffs are so worth the challenge. Forget the White Cliffs of Dover; here you’ll experience the ‘White Cliffs of Yorkshire’. The cliffs are a magnificent promontory of sheer white chalk stretching into the North Sea. It is also a great place to experience nature with puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and guillemots often seen in the area.
The next part of the journey takes you between Flamborough Head and North Landing and continues towards Thornwick Nab. This is one of the most spectacular sections of the walk, taking you past secluded beaches, caves, arches, and picturesque sea views.
You’ll then leave the coast and head inland, heading across farmland and passing through Flamborough village. This quaint village is an excellent spot for history lovers. Here you can take in the remains of the 14th-century Flamborough Castle and visit St Oswald’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century. From the village, you can return to your starting point at Danes Dyke Nature Reserve, which is a short walk away.
The Flamborough Head to Danes Dyke circular allows you to experience the fabulous East Yorkshire coast with its spectacular views, history, and nature. It is a challenging walk, but offers a chance to see the coast in all its glory.
Read More: 8 Charming Villages And Vibrant Towns To Visit On The Picturesque Yorkshire Coast
Feature Image Credit: Unsplash
