The Whitby Route is rich in marine heritage, dramatic moorland, and iconic historical sites like Whitby Abbey, making this the perfect coast and country experience.
You can easily spend a week exploring the smuggler cove villages like Robin Hood's Bay and Staithes and walking and hiking on the moorland. Or, if you want a laid-back experience, you will find an abundance of great pubs and eateries throughout the historic town of Whitby.
Check in at The Blue Lobster and relax in the Yorkshire Coasts Mediterranean village of Staithes. An excellent place for walkers and art lovers and a must for those who want to kick back and watch the drama of the unyielding North Sea from The Cod and Lobster situated on the shore edge.
Burn off the cobwebs and fish and chips with a hike up the Donkey Path that runs alongside the iconic 199 steps at the foot of Whitby Abbey and St Marys Church. Expand the drama of this historical site by revisiting the story of Dracula in its many forms as you explore the area or settle with a good book in one of the many quaint pubs and tea rooms. The Board Inn a favourite haunt, combines old English Charm with fantastic Ale, food, and an authentic Yorkshire welcome.
Do the Cleveland Way...your way. Tick this walk off your bucket list by joining the Cleveland Way at Whitby and travelling along the cinder track. You can cycle or walk and do as much (or as little!) as your legs will allow! This walk is a haven for Wildlife watching and capturing stunning sea views. So, pack light, leave the car in Whitby and plan for some overnight stops in Robin Hood's Bay and Ravenscar. Then, check the bus timetables to get you back to Whitby so you can head to the Moors for your next leg of the Whitby route.
The beauty of the National Park is the abundance of walks and waterfalls, but no Route YC experience would be complete without a stop at Falling Foss. The Falling Foss Waterfall dramatically spills from a 30-foot drop into the brook below, creating breathtaking photographic moments. Then, after a good old hike, you can enjoy feet-up moments with a brew at the nearby cafe.
A stone's throw from Falling Foss is the village of Sleights and for any weary traveller, make your way up Blue Bank to be rewarded with an excellent camper stop-off that provides epic views of the coast and country. If you are towing, check the gradient level before embarking, as this is a steep ride to the top. All motorists should exercise caution in poor weather conditions before taking this route. If the day is clear, head back down Blue Bank into Sleights, grab your lunch supplies and head to Ruswarp lake to hire a boat.
Heartbeat and Harry Potter fans can't say they have done Route YC without a stop-off in Goathland. You can hop on the NYMR line that will take you to Pickering or Whitby to have a leisurely exploration of the stunning countryside, or you can check out the famous Hogsmeade Station and join the Rail Trail. Our favourite is a stop and a walk over to the Mallyan Spout Waterfall, followed by a pint by a roaring fire.
There are plenty of things to do on the Whitby route; for more see our 7-day itinerary.
Travelling on the Whitby Route
Check hill gradients before travelling up routes like Blue Bank.
The Yorkshire Coast can be wild and the paths slippery, so pack sturdy boots if you are heading off on a walk or hike.
Explore more on foot, or you'll miss the beauty! So park up the car and explore on bike or foot, but save the bus timetable to get you back to your base.