The section of coast from Saltburn to Skinningrove reflects both the best and the hard work required of coastal walking. In particular enjoy the detour over Warsett Hill with its impressive views.
For those walking the Cleveland Way, Saltburn by the Sea is a highly satisfactory staging post. The moors and farmland have been completed and the long, lovely coastline of North Yorkshire is ahead. However for the day walker there is a double delight. The cliff side walking to Skinningrove is highly enjoyable for a number of reasons. In particular the views out to sea, the proximity of the old railway with its traditional rail buildings (now disused) ad the sound of sea bird. Whilst on the return there is the opportunity to climb a hill (although this is not as rare as you may think on the coasts of Britain!).
Saltburn and Skinningrove offer an interesting contrast. In particular the bustling Victorian sea side resort with grand old (if a little tired) buildings of Saltburn contrast with Skinningove, a traditional fishing port where the workers and fishermen have always exercised their dominance. A tough life by the sea has been recognized with some pleasant carvings and boats of a bygone age.
This stretch of coast always makes me feel slightly nervous, it is the one section of coast where it is easy to feel uneasy. The erosion seems very active, the paths are clos to the cliffs and generally unfenced. In addition I did wonder how long the old rail tracks would last on one short section. Probably gone now!
It is possible and perfectly acceptable to climb Warsett Hill. At 699213 a footpath heads away from the cliffs. It crosses the old railway and heads uphill to the summit. When I last went I needed to skirt to the right to get to the summit but I have heard the path now heads directly up. If anyone can help at a comment at the foot of the page.
Can someone tell me please how many steps go down to skinningrove beach,are they easy to go down
An alternative route, when the sea is out. You can actually walk right along the beach from skinningrove to Saltburn and it’s gorgeous.. But don’t dawdle……… (And do check the tide times…)
I walked in this area in 1974 one evening while on a commissioning job in Redcar. Its gorgeous – but there is a question that I’ve been curious about since then.
There was a double railway track, where at one point the tracks did not line up – only one of the tracks was continuous – the second tracks just end on either side. It was as if the track was built from both sides and when they met in the middle – they were offset – only one track lined up. So it ended up as a single track railway. I could not believe it ! I took a photograph which I still have – not the greatest but the double tracks are visible.
You can see it on Google earth 54°34’53.55″N 0°55’17.51″W Its more clear if you select 2005 imagery.
I would love to hear the story behind this. Does anyone know how this happened ?
I’m also curious about the disused steel plant I saw at Skinningrove – what company was there and what did they make ?
Please add a comment if anyone can help?
Just come across this while playing around. We know this walk well and did the traditional Cleveland Way and Cleveland Street version, connecting through Saltburn Gill. It’s about 8 or 9 miles and has good views along the coast towards Staithes. It actually passes the steel works which makes special sections, things like caterpillar tracks and is still in operation. Quite a bit of erosion along the coast now, so be careful.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Δ