Emergency closure of the Cleveland Way after cliff collapse between Whitby and Saltwick

Walkers using the National Trail shared images on social media of a significant landslip at the weekend which had carried away part of the path and fencing.

The North York Moors National Park Authority, who manage the land, have now announced that a 1,405-metre section between Abbey Farm and Saltwick Bay will be closed until January 24.

A diversion is in place and walkers are asked to proceed along Hawsker Lane Road south east for 1.47 km, then turn north on the public footpath leading to Whitby Holiday Park for 550 metres to rejoin the Cleveland Way at Saltwick Bay.

Other Cleveland Way users reported seeing 'large cracks' on the trail surface before the collapse.

Coastal erosion at the site is so acute that the path will not be repaired, and the route will instead be moved further inland.

Trail manager Malcolm Hodgson said: "The path was cordoned off with tape, and will today have wooden barriers installed. The path will not be repaired as such, but will be set back, but first we have to monitor and see if there is more slippage taking place. It is probably a few square metres of path lost at this stage, but there may be more to go."