Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk – 11km Dramatic Clifftop Trail Along the Yorkshire Coast

Region: Region: Whitby, Yorkshire, England

Places To Stay: Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay both offer a range of cosy coastal accommodation, from traditional pubs with rooms to quirky cottages. Try: Stay in Whitby or Robin Hood’s Bay or browse more North Yorkshire Breaks.

Looking for more scenic UK coastal hikes? Coming soon: Seven Sisters Cliff Walk, Lulworth to Durdle Door, and Rhossili Bay Loop.

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Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in North Yorkshire, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!

The Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk is a spectacular 11km (7 mile) trail that hugs the dramatic Yorkshire coastline along a section of the Cleveland Way. You’ll start at the historic Church Street in Whitby and finish in the impossibly charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. This point-to-point route is one of the North York Moors National Park’s best-loved outings, with crumbling cliffs, wide sea views, and paths carved into the land by centuries of salt, wind, and boots.

There’s a mix of gently rolling paths, sea air, and big skies throughout. Along the way, you’ll pass windswept farmsteads, grazing sheep, and sections where the sea crashes dramatically below. On a clear day, the views stretch far down the coast, with Ravenscar visible in the distance.

After 2.5–3.5 hours of walking, the path descends into the narrow lanes of Robin Hood’s Bay, a postcard-perfect village with cobbled streets, steep alleys, and a tiny beach. You can celebrate the finish with an ice cream, pub lunch, or some of the best fish and chips on the Yorkshire coast.

This is a linear walk, so either catch the X93 or X94 bus back to Whitby, or stay overnight and enjoy both towns at a slower pace.

Looking for Cheap Flights? Try the Skyscanner Flight Checker Below.

This is how I find cheap ‘Flight Tickets‘ or travel deals. For Whitby, you’re best off flying into Newcastle, Leeds-Bradford, or Manchester, then continuing by train or car.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start point: Church Street, Whitby, Y022 4BH (near the bottom of the 199 steps)
• Google Maps link: Church Street, Whitby
• Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
• You can also follow this route on my Outdooractive profile

Hike Profile

• Distance: 7 miles / 11 km (point-to-point)
• Duration: 4.5 – 3.5 hours
• Highest point: ~200m along the cliffs
• Difficulty: Moderate – well-trodden trail, a few ups and downs
• Route conditions: Coastal clifftop trail with grassy paths, uneven ground, and exposed sections

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Hike Description

Start your walk on Church Street in Whitby at the end of the Swing Bridge and then head up the 199 steps to the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey. This brooding Gothic landmark marks the beginning of the Cleveland Way section you’ll follow south along the coast.

Once past the abbey, the route leaves the town and opens out into a broad, panoramic trail with big sea views. The Cleveland Way is easy to follow, passing through open fields, windswept headlands, and sections of National Trust-protected land. Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, foxgloves, and even the odd fossil in the crumbling cliffs below.

The trail gently rolls along the coastline, with only a few moderate ascents and descents as you cross valleys and headlands. You’ll pass through isolated spots with little more than dry-stone walls and sea spray for company. This peaceful stretch of Yorkshire is where you’ll find solitude and stunning scenery in equal measure.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk – 3D Walkthrough

As you approach Robin Hood’s Bay, the trail descends steeply into the village, where winding alleyways lead you down to the beach. It’s a brilliant place to end your day’s walk, reward yourself with a local ale, a seafood dinner, or simply a rest by the harbour.

To return, catch a bus (X93 or X94) back to Whitby from the main road above the village, or book accommodation and enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere.

Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in North Yorkshire, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!

Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Coastal Walk FAQs

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