Weekend Walk: Ravenscar-Hayburn Wyke

Looking across Robin Hood's Bay from Ravenscar

This simple route follows a stretch of the 108-mile Cleveland Way National Trail from Ravenscar, the rocky headland at the south end of Robin Hood’s Bay, to the lovely wooded cove of Hayburn Wyke. From there the return leg utilises part of the old Scarborough-Whitby railway line, which operated between 1885 and 1965 and now has a new lease of life as the Cinder Track, a 21-mile walking and cycling route. It is worth lingering at Hayburn Wyke to enjoy the waterfall, pebble beach and SSSI-designated woodland. On the outward stretch is an old WWII radar station, now a scheduled monument owned by the National Trust. Birds to look out for include linnets on the clifftops, redshanks and turnstones at Hayburn Wyke.

1. Start from the National Trust shop and information centre near the entrance to Raven Hall Hotel. Cross Raven Hall Road and walk along Station Road. After 100 yards turn left at a Cleveland Way signpost and walk down a track to a fence on the clifftop. Turn right here and follow the obvious Cleveland Way footpath south.

2. At Bent Rigg look right for the Ravenscar Chain Home Low Radar Station in a field. Continue along the top of Beast Cliff and descend to Petard Point enjoying fine coastal views southwards to Scarborough and beyond. Eventually, after Red House Farm go down the steep steps with care to arrive in the wooded ravine of Hayburn Wyke.

Cyclists on the Cinder Track, the former Scarborough-Whitby railway line

3. Cross the footbridge. There is an optional short detour left here to look at the lovely water fall which carries Hayburn Beck into the cove. To continue the walk, leave the Cleveland Way by turning right and following the clear path up through trees, ignoring minor paths, to leave the woodland and swing left for the Hayburn Wyke Hotel. Continue past the buildings and round a right-hand bend to arrive at the Cinder Track.

4. Turn right onto the trackbed of the old Scarborough-Whitby railway line. Follow it for just over three miles to arrive at the old Ravenscar station. Go right here to the car parking area, or if you parked in Raven Hall Road continue ahead to Station Road, turn left and walk back to the National Trust shop.

Difficulty rating: 2 stars

Distance: 8 miles

Robin Hood's Bay and (bottom right) the Ravenscar reef known as Low Nook.

Time: 4 hours

Map: OS Explorer (1:25000) OL27, North York Moors Eastern Area

Parking: Free spaces in Raven Hall Road, Ravenscar, and along Station Road at old Ravenscar railway station.

Public transport: Scarborough & District bus 115 runs twice a day from Scarborough to Ravenscar via Burniston, Cloughton and Staintondale. Scarborough is served by trains from Hull, York and Leeds. For times call 0871 2002233 (charges apply).

Refreshments: Ravenscar, Hayburn Wyke

Toilets: Ravenscar