Walk: 11:15am to 3:30pm - 6.5 miles (plus 1 mile in Whitby)
As is our way, another lazy start to the day. We do rise early, but when on holiday we like to relax for a few hours in the morning – after all it is a holiday. Some like to be out early and walk all day long – we just like to start when we’re ready, get in a few hours walk and then chill out at the end of the day.
So off we went, leaving the cottage around 10:30am and ventured north up to Whitby again. Our plan today was to park near Whitby Abbey, walk to Robin Hoods Bay, and then get the bus back. The weather was dry again – been very lucky so far this week, so no need for the wet gear. That said, as there was a very strong south-westerly wind it did on occasions prompt a jacket, but as soon as the sun came out it was too warm so the jacket was off again - it followed this pattern for most of the walk.
We headed down the Cleveland Way past Saltwick Nab which is an outcrop of rock that looks like it has been visited many times as the top of it looked very smooth in places .The views out to sea were excellent, with plenty of boats out closely being followed by flocks of seagulls. Further down the coast we came to a ‘lighthouse’ – however it appeared that it wasn’t in use as it was also a cottage available to rent – not sure though whether part of it was still a working beacon as it did seem to be in full working order.
We continued down the coast, much of the walk was relatively flat but interrupted by a few inlets with becks trickling down to the sea. We were very impressed with the path overall, well signposted and a good clear path which was fenced off from the cliffs for most of the walk. About half-way along the walk we found a commemorative bench overlooking the sea – a great place for a sandwich.
As we neared Robin Hoods Bay the wind became even stronger and walking become harder as it was coming straight at you, it was almost like walking in treacle. When we arrived above Robin Hoods Bay we chose not to walk down the hill as we’d been there numerous times before, so not a lot to see that we hadn’t already seen. So, we ventured into the bar of a local hotel and had a refreshing drink – Kopparberg for me and a G&T for my better half. However, we had to keep a tight grip on our drinks as we sat in the beer garden as the wind was that strong.
After a wait of around 20 minutes the bus arrived to take us back to Whitby, we did think about walking back but the skies were darkening and risking 3 to 4 hrs in possible rain didn’t whet our appetite. I was stunned to have to pay £3.80 each for the 15 minute ride back to Whitby – no idea if that is expensive as we rarely use buses, but it did shock us a little.
We got off in Whitby bus station and spent about an hour and a half walking around the back-streets and also out onto the East Pier. Thankfully the pier is quite wide - so plenty of opportunity to keep away from thew edges in the strong wind. Then the heavens opened so we set off up the steep steps towards the Abbey and back to the car. A little wet but not too bad – we had timed our return just right.
More photos can be found here
More photos can be found here
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