Cloughton to Scarborough Cleveland Way Walking Trail
The section of the Cleveland Way between Cloughton and Scarborough North Bay is a stunning coastal walk that offers breathtaking sea views and dramatic cliff landscapes. This part of the trail, approximately 6 miles (10 km) long, is fairly straightforward and suitable for most fitness levels, though it does include some steep ascents and descents.
Cleveland Way Walking Trail
The Cleveland Way is a 109-mile (176 km) National Trail in North Yorkshire, England, that offers a diverse mix of landscapes, from dramatic coastal cliffs to rolling moorland. Starting in the market town of Helmsley, the trail first crosses the scenic North York Moors before reaching the coastline at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. From there, it follows the rugged Yorkshire coast, passing through picturesque fishing villages like Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay, as well as iconic landmarks like Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle, before finishing in the seaside town of Filey. The route is known for its rich history, wildlife, and breathtaking views, making it popular with walkers and nature lovers alike.
Trail Details
Distance
5 Miles (12.8Km)
This is a point to point route situated on the Cleveland Way Walking Trail.
We recommend parking at Scarborough and boarding a X93/X94 bus to Cloughton. You can then walk back to your car from here.
Skill
Difficult
We have given this a difficult rating owing to the steps up and down the coastline. However, most able bodied people can achieve this, but it may not be for everyone.
Route
The route is easy to follow and very well sign posted. It can also be accomplished in winter months with care.
Please stay clear from the cliff edge.
Follow our checkpoint guide found below for more details.
Cleveland Way Walking Trail Checkpoints
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1. Starting Point Cloughton
From the main street in Cloughton, walk northwards along the A171 until the road bends to the left with a split. At the split, walk slightly up hill and find Newlands Lane on the right that heads down to the Yorkshire Coast.
Although the walk is relatively short in terms of distance, it does contain a few ascents. These are often stepped, and therefore this walk may not be for everyone.
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2. Cinder Path Bridge
Follow the bridge over Cinder Path and continue to down the lane (now Salt Pan Road) until you reach a small car park. You will see a signpost for the Cleveland Way. At this signpost, turn right.
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3. Turn Right on the Cleveland Way
From the signpost, follow the Cleveland Way Waling Trail back to Scarborough. Owing to the formation of the Yorkshire Coast, this will be hilly at times. Some of these descents and ascents have steps to make it easier.
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4. 1927 Coastguard Hut
You will eventually arrive at a historic Coastguard Hut from 1927 that was used to monitor the sea and lookout for any vessels in distress. Keep following the coast trail from here.
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5. Intersection for Burniston
Eventually you will arrive at a intersection for Burniston. Taking the route straight on will take you back to Scarborough. Taking a right turn will bring you to Burniston. However, if you turn left, this will take you to a rocky beach providing that the tide is out. Please take care if you decide to examine the beach, and pay attention to the tide.
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6. Tabular Hills Walk Intersection
Absorbing the sea views, you will encounter a signpost for the Tabular Hills Walking Trail which is a 48 mile route to Helmsley across the Tabular Hills. Ignore this signpost and continue following the coastal path until you reach Scalby Mills.
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7. Scarborough Castle Views
Scarborough Castle is almost constantly in view throughout this trail, but by now it will be more prominent. This is a good marker to use along this walk to access how close you are to the finish.
All along this route, you may want to be vigilant and look out for porpoise (a type of dolphin) as well as bottle nose dolphin as they can often be spotted from the coast.
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8. Follow Path to Scarborough Scalby Mills
As you descend towards Scarborough, you will see a footbridge over Scalby Beck (known as the Seacut). Cross the bridge towards the Scalby Mills Pub.
This brings us neatly to the North Bay of Scarborough where we complete our section of this walk. You may want to start this walk further away at Ravenscar or Robin Hood’s Bay. If you need to get a bus back to Cloughton, you can board a X93 or X94 outside the railway station. Alternatively, you may want to park in Scarborough and board the bus to Cloughton and walk back.
