Take The High Road

Enjoy spectacular coastal walking with ever-changing views.

- Terry Fletcher

There is a long-term project underway to create a new national trail completely encircling England. When complete, the path will follow some 2,800 miles/4,500km of coastline and is intended to give access rights which will mimic the so-called Right to Roam legislation that opened up vast areas of inland moors and hills in 2000. The coast trail is due to be completed in 2020 but Yorkshire was half a century ahead of much of the rest of the country.

The Cleveland Way, which traces a horseshoe-shaped line around much of the North York Moors National Park was created in 1969 and gives unfettered access to the spectacular cliffs stretching north of Scarborough to Saltburn. It makes for terrific walking in its own right with ever-changing views but by good fortune much of it is also shadowed a little further inland by the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line, now known as the Cinder Track which offers the opportunity to devise delightful and varied circular routes to suit almost any level of fitness.

This loop sets off from Scarborough’s doorstep and makes its way to Cloughton with the added bonus of a unique tea shop for refreshments half way round.

DIRECTIONS