Weekend Walk: Staithes Circular

Staithes is one of the most picturesque villages on the Yorkshire coast.
Looking down on Staithes from the new viewpointLooking down on Staithes from the new viewpoint
Looking down on Staithes from the new viewpoint

This relatively short walk wasn’t possible before July, and is recommended as an introduction to a newly created public right of way which provides a fine view over Staithes. It is part of the 2,709-mile England Coast Path which will be 2,709 miles long when completed in 2020. Before climbing up to the clifftop it is worth lingering in the village, once a major herring fishery. In Church Street look for the plaque commemorating the explorer Captain Cook’s apprenticeship to a grocer in 1745-46. Beyond the new footpath, the route continues along a stretch of the Cleveland Way before heading inland and returning by woodland beneath Well Bank and quiet field paths behind Staithes. Look for turnstones at Staithes harbour, jackdaws along the cliffs and goldfinches in fields.

1. Leave Staithes car park on a signposted path to the village. Walk downhill to the High Street and follow it right to the Cod and Lobster. Just past the pub turn right to walk up Church Street and at the top continue along the signposted Cleveland Way footpath. The route bends left uphill to arrive at a farm.

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2. Opposite the farm turn left through a gate to follow the newly created public right of way. At the first corner of the field is a superb viewpoint over Staithes harbour. Turn right here to follow the clifftop path round the Old Nab promontory and rejoin the Cleveland Way to Port Mulgrave.

The new England Coast Path signage on the Yorkshire coast.The new England Coast Path signage on the Yorkshire coast.
The new England Coast Path signage on the Yorkshire coast.

3. Go through a gate and when the Cleveland Way goes left keep straight ahead past houses. Opposite a phone kiosk turn right on an unmade road and pass buildings to a finger post at a field edge. Follow it left over fields to the A174. Cross with care to an old tarmac road and turn right. Further on find steps on the left leading down into trees below Well Bank. Further on take a right fork back uphill to re-emerge on the A174.

4. Cross with care and go left a short distance to turn right on a track. Beyond the track continue on a path to a field corner, go right a short distance then left over a stile to follow a field edge to a house. Turn left on the access road then right before houses on a path which passes gardens. At a fork go left up steps and follow the path back to the car park.

Difficulty rating: 1 stars.

Distance: 3 1/2 miles

View southwards from the Cleveland Way towards Runswick Bay and Kettleness.View southwards from the Cleveland Way towards Runswick Bay and Kettleness.
View southwards from the Cleveland Way towards Runswick Bay and Kettleness.

Time: 1 1/2 hours

Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer (1:25000) sheet OL27, North York Moors Eastern Area

Parking: Staithes (pay & display).

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Public transport: Staithes is on the X4 bus route operated by Arriva between Whitby and Middlesbrough. For times call 0871 2002233 (charges apply).

Refreshments: Staithes; Hinderwell (off route)

Toilets: Staithes

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