Walks
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay
The big coastal walk out of Whitby: about 7 miles one way, south on the Cleveland Way from the abbey headland along a fine stretch of cliff, finishing down the steep street of Bay Town. Come back by bus, or walk the level Cinder Track home.
Bay Town at the end of the cliff path, the reward for seven miles.
The route in outline
From the abbey headland above Whitby, head south on the Cleveland Way. The path runs along a fine stretch of cliff for about 7 miles and drops into Bay Town at the end. That is the level of detail this site can honestly give: I have not walked it myself yet, and turn-by-turn directions I have not verified on a cliff path would be worse than none. Carry the OS sheet and start early enough that the light is not against you.
Getting back
It is a one-way walk, so plan the return before you set off. There is a bus, or you can walk back along the Cinder Track, the old railway line between the two, which is level, shaded and easy underfoot. The Cinder Track is also the best local ride in our cycling guide, so a bike at one end is another way of doing it.
Walking it with a dog
Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and on the steep sections above the sea. The Cinder Track return is the gentler half by some distance: shaded and easy underfoot. More in our dog-friendly guide.
A shorter alternative
Seven miles one way is a proper day. If that is more than you want, the walk west to Sandsend is about 6 miles there and back and flat the whole way.
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay walk FAQs
How far is Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay on foot?
About 7 miles one way, south on the Cleveland Way from the abbey headland along a fine stretch of cliff, finishing in Bay Town.
How do you get back from Robin Hood's Bay?
By bus, or on foot along the Cinder Track, the old railway line, which is level and easy underfoot.
Is the walk suitable for dogs?
Yes, with a lead near livestock and on the steep sections above the sea. The Cinder Track return is shaded and easy underfoot.
Can you cycle the Cinder Track instead?
Yes. The old railway line is also the best local ride in our cycling guide.