Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay hike

Head towards the coast on Raven Hall Road and continue by passing the National Trust Coastal Centre on your left to reach the gates of Raven Hall Country House Hotel. Turn left before the gates, following a downhill track signposted towards Peak Fault. Instantly hit with exceptional views, this is a special start to a special walk.

Follow the track down through a golf course. The track quickly bends sharply left; continue along the main track ignoring the other signposted path that juts off onto the golf course. Look back up towards Ravenscar to see the battlements of Raven Hall Hotel – built on the site of a Roman signal station.

The track then bends to the right and is joined by the Cleveland Way. Keep ahead. The Cleveland Way soon drops off to the right towards the alum factory ruin. Continue on the main track until you reach a locked gate. Here, take the footpath through the smaller gate to the right. This leads you around to the right heading for the coast, skirting around the edge of a field. The Cleveland Way soon rejoins the path. Continue ahead! Keep an ear out for the screech of local peacocks from the farm above!

After just over 0.6mi of coastal walking, the path emerges onto a narrow lane. Turn right as signposted, and continue to the end of the lane passing a cottage to join a stepped path that descends steeply into Stoupe Beck. Continue over a small footbridge before a steep climb back to the cliff top.

After another kilometer the path again descends steeply, this time dropping to a YHA hostel at Boggle Hole. Turn right onto the lane and then immediately left to take the steps down to the beach. Cross the small beach in front of the hostel to rejoin the signposted path which again climbs steeply. Follow the Cleveland Way and signs for Robin Hood’s Bay as the path now gently meanders along the cliff top. As you come to the village the path meets another. Turn right towards the sea, which takes you down to a small promenade.

Turn left along the promenade and climb the steps to bring you into the heart of Robin Hood’s Bay old town. There is plenty to offer here and we hope you have time to explore!

When ready, brave the steep street – left hand fork that winds through the village and leads you up to the Victoria Hotel. Continue ahead, passing the hotel, a post office and several other hotels to reach Station Road on your left. Follow this road, signposted as going towards the Village Hall and Doctor’s Surgery. Pass the old station buildings and continue along the lane as it drops down to a main road. Turn right here, crossing the main road and turn left a further 328ft along. Pass through a gate and join the old railway track, as signposted!

For the next 4.2mi simply follow this track that leads you gently back to Ravenscar. The track drops down on to several small country lanes, each time cross directly to again follow the old rail track. There are spectacular views across to Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay – don’t forget to look when you get the chance.

The track climbs steadily but gently and you will be shocked at the height you gain. As you near Ravenscar, take the small footpath immediately before a stone bridge. The small track leads you up above the bridge on to a grassy track. Continue up towards the village and soon onto Raven Hall Road.

Find more amazing walks in North York Moors National Park:

• Roseberry Topping Walk
• Hole of Horcum Walk
• Hayburn Wyke Walk