23rd February 2025, 12:00
Castle to Abbey - Yorkshire Coast Challenge
See Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline unfold magnificently during the Castle to Abbey 22-mile Challenge!
Join us for an epic adventure - this 22-mile guided walk takes us along the coastal Cleveland Way and through the North York Moors National Park, from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey. This makes for a great day out with stunning scenery and plenty of ascent to challenge you!
Date: 31st May
Distance: Approx. 22 miles (35.4km)
Entry fee: £35 includes coach transport between Whitby & Scarborough
Duration: Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours
Level: Tough (Walking) - see Large Outdoors Experience Levels here
Age: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by their parent/guardian throughout)
Dogs: trained assistance dogs only
Here's what we've got planned!
The day begins at 7:15am in Whitby, where you'll meet your guides and board a coach to Scarborough. The walk starts at Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century fortress. From there, the route follows the Cleveland Way, passing North Bay beach huts and heading up to the cliff tops, with fields on one side and seascapes on the other. You'll enter National Trust woodland at Hayburn Wyke, named for its historic hunting enclosures and sea inlet, and featuring a waterfall that tumbles onto a pebble beach.
After a brief pause, you'll continue through the woodland and onto the cliffs, eventually reaching Ravenscar, a hamlet with remnants of Victorian spa town aspirations. Further along, you'll encounter the alum works ruins. The path then descends to Stoupe Beck and Boggle Hole, where the YHA’s Quarterdeck café offers a chance to refuel.
Leaving Boggle Hole, you'll head through woodland and back onto the headland, with fine views leading to Robin Hood’s Bay. The Cleveland Way meanders through cobbled alleyways and snickets in the village, evoking its smuggling history. The final leg passes above Saltwick Bay and heads towards the finish at Whitby Abbey.
Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours.
In Whitby, celebrate with a pint at Whitby Brewery or enjoy the town's famous fish and chips.
