Cloughton and the Old Railway

The Cloughton and Old Railway walk lies to the north of Scarborough. The airy coastal section finishes at the bay below Hayburn Wyke whilst the return follows the cinder track on the Old Railway line linking Whitby to Scarborough.

The Walk

This walk splits easily in to two sections. The coastal part from Cloughton to Hayburn Wyke has many ups and downs (and can be hard work) particularly if you drop down to the bay at Hayburn Wyke (which you should). However there are superb views, the best from Rodger Trod, a particularly exposed section of the coast. Any coastal section of the Cleveland Way is enjoyable. The walk is ehhanced further by dropping down to the bay at Hayburn Wyke. The walk through the trees is steep but the rewards are a lovely waterfall and a stony but peaceful beach.

The Old Railway between Whitby and Scarborough was opened in 1885 to link the coastal towns with Teesside. As result it handled some industry, acted as a tourist run for Victorian tourists and was of use for locals as a quick means of transport. It was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching Review and is now an excellent and easy bridleway. As a result it now provides a pleasant inland break from the more dramatic coastal sections of the Yorkshire Coast. On this walk a short section of old railway links the small village of Cloughton with the hamlet of Hayburn Wyke (an excellent and historical pub). Hayburn Wyke is situated in some woodland with a dramatic waterfall leading down to the rocky coastline.

Cloughton may not be the obvious choice for a coastal walk but it should be, you will enjoy it.

Recommend

The Cloughton and Old Railway walk is only 5 miles in length (it will seem longer). but can easily be extended by starting at Burniston or even Scarborough itself. Burniston will add three miles, Scarborough an extra eight or nine making for a longer day.

Navigation Tips at Cloughton and the Old Railway

The coastal section of the walk is actually quite hilly. It is always worth checking the number of contour lines between the sea at Heyburn Wyke and the high point of 112 metres. There should be 11 (each is 10 metres apart). As a result any trip to the sea involves a steep and long up hill stretch.