Whitby Abbey is splendidly situated on the headland just south of the town of its name. To most appreciate Whitby Abbey and the coast walk start along the cliffs and then return to approach the abbey from the south east. It is a short walk but simple at any time of the year.
Whitby Abbey has a chequered history. The headland itself was first used as a defensive position by the Romans in 3 BC when they originally put in a signal box. Over the years the abbey was gradually built and expanded upon culminating in the most significant development which was the construction of a Norman nave in the 14th century. The building was pillaged by Henry viii in 1538 as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries but has not suffered damage as much as many of the abbeys either at that time or since. This was partly due to its ownership of the Chomley Family and the more recent efforts of English Heritage. In more recent times it was used as the iconic backdrop of Peter Cushing’s Dracula film and nearly bombed by the German’s in the 2nd World War.
A chequered and interesting history maybe but today it makes a striking profile for this short walk. A splendid coastal walk to the lighthouse at Whitby Point (still working) past Saltwick Bay can be easily combined with a visit to the abbey. Saltwick Bay is well situated (a steep climb down mind) and is worth visiting from the caravan park. The beach is excellent in high summer but struggling for the sun at other times of the year. However the rocky ramparts and cliffs are perfect for walkers all year round.
It is possible to shorten the walk to still include Whitby Abbey and the coast. However it is well worth taking the extra time to reach the lighthouse. It makes for a good focus.
Leave the coast on a lane just before reaching the lighthouse itself. From here the lane heads inland. It passes two farms before meeting the more significant Hawker Lane.
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