North Yorkshire offers some of Britain’s most spectacular walking routes. From rugged coastal paths to peaceful moorland trails, our interactive route planner will help you find the perfect walk based on your your ability and interests. Based at Hotel Victoria in Robin Hood’s Bay, you’re perfectly positioned to explore these remarkable routes.
The Coast to Coast Walk: St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay
Alfred Wainwright’s famous route ends right at your doorstep in Robin Hood’s Bay. This 192-mile trail crosses three national parks and showcases England’s varied terrain. Many walkers celebrate their achievement by dipping their boots in the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay beach. You can tackle sections as day walks or complete the entire route over two weeks.
Cleveland Way: Coastal Drama at Its Best
This National Trail passes directly through Robin Hood’s Bay, offering 109 miles of walking routes along North Yorkshire’s coastline and through the North York Moors. The coastal section between Whitby and Scarborough provides breathtaking cliff-top views. You’ll spot seabirds, fishing boats, and on clear days, views stretching for miles along the coast.
Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby: A Classic Coastal Walk
This seven-mile stretch follows the Cleveland Way and ranks among North Yorkshire’s most popular walks. You’ll cross Hawsker Bottoms, climb through woodland, and enjoy panoramic sea views before descending into Whitby. The route takes about three hours, allowing time to explore Whitby Abbey and the historic town centre.
The Cinder Track: Railway Heritage Trail
Following the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line, this 21-mile trail offers gentle gradients perfect for all abilities. You can access it easily from Robin Hood’s Bay and choose shorter sections for half-day walks. The track passes through tunnels, over viaducts, and alongside stunning coastal scenery.
Falling Foss and Hermitage Walk
Starting from Littlebeck, this four-mile circular walk in North Yorkshire takes you through ancient woodland to a 30-foot waterfall. The highlight is the Hermitage, a unique boulder dwelling carved in 1790. The well-marked paths make this an excellent choice for families, though some sections can be muddy after rain.
Boggle Hole to Ravenscar: Coastal Wildlife Haven
This six-mile section of the Cleveland Way offers dramatic clifftop walking with opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds. You’ll pass through the atmospheric ruins of the Peak Alum Works and enjoy views across Robin Hood’s Bay. The return journey can be made via the Cinder Track for variety.
Roseberry Topping: North Yorkshire’s Matterhorn
Though technically just outside the National Park boundary, this distinctive peak offers rewarding walks in North Yorkshire. The two-mile climb from Newton under Roseberry takes about an hour. From the summit, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views across the moors, coast, and on clear days, as far as the Pennines.
Goathland and Mallyan Spout
This five-mile circular walk from Goathland combines moorland, woodland, and the spectacular 70-foot Mallyan Spout waterfall. The village, famous as Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat, makes an excellent starting point. The route includes sections of the original stone-flagged paths used by moorland farmers.
Sutton Bank and the White Horse
The Sutton Bank circular offers some of North Yorkshire’s finest views. This six-mile route takes you along the escarpment edge, past the famous White Horse of Kilburn, and through mixed woodland. The visitor centre offers maps and refreshments, making this a suitable option for walkers of moderate fitness.
Staithes Coastal Loop
Beginning in the charming fishing village of Staithes, this eight-mile circular route combines coastal paths with inland farm tracks. You’ll experience working harbour life, fossil-rich beaches, and traditional field systems. The route includes some steep sections but rewards you with spectacular views across the heritage coastline.
Planning Your Walking Routes from Hotel Victoria
Each of these walks in North Yorkshire offers a unique experience and challenge. From Hotel Victoria, you have direct access to the Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast Walk. The Cinder Track lies just minutes away, providing easy walking routes for all abilities.
Consider the season when planning your walks. Spring brings wildflowers to the moorland routes, summer offers long days for coastal walks, autumn paints the woodlands in stunning colours, and winter provides crisp, clear days with far-reaching views.
Pack appropriate footwear, waterproofs, and maps. While many routes are well-marked, weather conditions can change quickly on the moors and coast. Start with shorter walks to gauge your fitness level before attempting longer routes.
Whether you prefer gentle railway paths or challenging moorland climbs, North Yorkshire’s walking routes deliver outstanding natural beauty and rich heritage. From your base at Hotel Victoria, these ten routes provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Make Hotel Victoria your base for exploring North Yorkshire
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay in Robin Hoods Bay, we recommend giving us a visit! With a range of beautiful coastal hotel rooms available, offering a mix of relaxing sea views, and an ideal location, Hotel Victoria is the perfect place to rest after a long day of walking.
