Robin Hood’s Bay walk

Robin Hood’s Bay is a lovely sweep of coast south of Whitby. The village of its name is set at one end, the cliffs of Ravenscar at the other. The walk between them makes for an enjoyable half day out.

The Walk

Robin Hood’s Bay is often described as the jewel on the Yorkshire Coast. The village itself is built upon the steep sides of the bay, the narrow streets once the haunt of smugglers. In fact under ground passages are said to link many of the houses. Today fishing is still practiced but the pretty setting makes for a tourist trap. The good thing however is that nearly all cars have to be parked at the top of the village. As a result the many visitors need to walk down, and then up, the steep slopes.

I have visited Robin Hood’s Bay many times. Once as I started the Coast to Coast, a second time at Ravenscar on completion of the Lyke Wake Walk and finally on a short family break. However I had never devised a good walk which explores the bay. The setting is spectacular. Although the sand on the beaches is hardly pristine, it is enjoyable to explore. Combining rock pools and sand always makes a beach fun to walk along.

The Robin Hood’s Bay walk does involves a more effort that expected, particularly on the steep climb to the cliffs at Ravenscar. The Cleveland Way path which is followed for much of the way rises and falls like a yoyo, low level hidden dells and high cliff side walking constantly mixing together. This short walk is highly recommended. This is doubly so if you can drag yourself up to the National Trust cafe at Ravenscar with its wonderful, near 360 degree views.

Recommend

On your return join the beach at Stoupe Beck and follow it to Robin Hood’s Bay village. You can then avoid some of the steep ascents and descents of the Cleveland Way.

Navigation Tips on the Robin Hood’s Bay walk

At Ravenscar a path leads directly down the cliffs to the sea. However there is no alternative in dropping to the bay from here.