Top 11 Most Amazing Trails and Hikes in Whitby (You Must Do)

9 min readNov 17, 2023

Whitby is a charming seaside town in North Yorkshire, England, that has a lot to offer to hikers and walkers. It is famous for its Gothic abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, its maritime heritage, which includes Captain Cook and whaling, and its delicious fish and chips. But Whitby is not just about the popular tourist attractions. It also has many trails and hikes that are worth exploring, if you love nature and adventure.

Whether you are looking for coastal views, historical sites, or woodland paths, Whitby has something for everyone. In this article, we will reveal the top 11 most amazing trails and hikes in Whitby, Yorkshire, that you must do when you visit this enchanting town.

Here Is the List Of Top 11 Most Amazing Trails and Hikes in Whitby,

1. Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay

This is one of the most scenic trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the cliff tops along the North Sea. The trail is part of the Cleveland Way, a long-distance footpath that circles the North York Moors National Park. You can enjoy stunning views of the sea and the cliffs, as well as sandy beaches, historic sites, and charming villages. The trail starts at the train station in Whitby, and passes by the famous abbey, the old lighthouse, and the shipwreck of Admiral Von Tromp. The trail ends at Robin Hood’s Bay, a picturesque fishing village that was once a smugglers’ haven. You can explore the narrow cobblestone lanes, the quaint cottages, and the rocky shore. The trail is about 7.4 miles long, and takes about 3 hours to complete.

2. Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay

This is another coastal trail that connects Whitby with Robin Hood’s Bay, but from a different direction. The trail starts at Ravenscar, a village that was once planned to be a seaside resort, but never took off. You can see the remains of the railway station, the hotel, and the golf course, as well as the stunning views of the bay. The trail then follows the coastal path, passing by Boggle Hole, an area known for its geology and fossil collecting. You can also see the old alum works, where alum was extracted from shale for dyeing and tanning. The trail ends at Robin Hood’s Bay, where you can enjoy the same attractions as the previous trail. The trail is about 8.8 miles long, and takes about 4 hours to complete.

You should also read: 20+ best things to do in Whitby in the UK

3. Whitby Abbey and The Dracula Trail

This is one of the most interesting trails and hikes in Whitby, as it explores the connection between the town and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The trail starts at the train station in Whitby, and follows the footsteps of the author and his famous character. You can see the places that inspired Stoker, such as the abbey, the churchyard, the 199 steps, and the whalebone arch. You can also see the places that featured in the novel, such as the harbour, the Royal Hotel, and the Tate Hill Pier, where Dracula’s ship ran aground. The trail ends at the Whitby Museum, where you can see a first edition of Dracula, and other memorabilia. The trail is about 2.5 miles long, and takes about 2 hours to complete.

4. Whitby to Sandsend

This is one of the easiest and most enjoyable trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the beach along the North Sea. The trail is suitable for all ages and abilities, and can be done at any time of the year. You can enjoy the views of the sea and the cliffs, as well as the sand and the pebbles. You can also see the remains of the old alum works, the golf course, and the Mulgrave Woods. The trail ends at Sandsend, a small village that has a cafe, a pub, and a shop. You can also visit the Sandsend Ness, a headland that has a lighthouse and a bird sanctuary. The trail is about 3 miles long, and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

5. Whitby to Staithes

This is one of the most challenging and rewarding trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the Cleveland Way along the North Sea. The trail is steep and rugged, and requires a good level of fitness and stamina. You can enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the cliffs, as well as the moors and the fields. You can also see the old coastguard station, the Port Mulgrave harbour, and the Runswick Bay beach. The trail ends at Staithes, a fishing village that was once home to Captain Cook. You can explore the narrow streets, the harbour, and the museum. The trail is about 11 miles long, and takes about 6 hours to complete.

6. Whitby to Grosmont

This is one of the most historic and nostalgic trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the old railway line along the Esk Valley. The trail is part of the Cinder Track, a cycle route that runs from Scarborough to Whitby. You can enjoy the views of the river and the countryside, as well as the bridges and the tunnels. You can also see the old stations, the signal boxes, and the steam trains. The trail ends at Grosmont, a village that is famous for its railway heritage. You can visit the engine shed, the station, and the shop. You can also take a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage railway that runs from Grosmont to Pickering. The trail is about 9 miles long, and takes about 4 hours to complete.

7. Whitby to Goathland

This is one of the most scenic and varied trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the Esk Valley Walk along the Esk Valley. The trail is a mixture of woodland, moorland, and farmland, and offers a range of landscapes and wildlife. You can enjoy the views of the river and the hills, as well as the waterfalls and the ponds. You can also see the old churches, the stone circles, and the Roman road. The trail ends at Goathland, a village that is famous for its role in the Harry Potter films and the Heartbeat TV series. You can see the Hogwarts Express, the Hogsmeade station, and the Aidensfield Arms. You can also visit the Mallyan Spout, a 70-foot waterfall that is the highest in the North York Moors. The trail is about 10 miles long, and takes about 5 hours to complete.

8. Whitby to Falling Foss

This is one of the most magical and enchanting trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the May Beck through the Little Beck Wood. The trail is a fairy tale adventure, with a waterfall, a tea garden, and a hermitage. You can enjoy the views of the stream and the forest, as well as the flowers and the mushrooms. You can also see the Falling Foss, a 30-foot waterfall that is surrounded by rocks and ferns. You can also visit the Midge Hall, a tea garden that is housed in a former gamekeeper’s cottage. You can also see the Hermitage, a cave that was carved out of a single boulder in the 18th century. The trail is about 4 miles long, and takes about 2 hours to complete.

9. Whitby to Saltburn-by-the-Sea

This is one of the longest and most diverse trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the Cleveland Way along the North Sea. The trail is a coastal adventure, with beaches, cliffs, and piers. You can enjoy the views of the sea and the sky, as well as the wildlife and the plants. You can also see the old fishing villages, the smugglers’ caves, and the ironstone mines. The trail ends at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a Victorian seaside resort that has a pier, a funicular, and a surf school. You can also visit the Valley Gardens, a park that has a miniature railway, a playground, and a woodland walk. The trail is about 20 miles long, and takes about 10 hours to complete.

10. Whitby to Roseberry Topping

This is one of the most iconic and rewarding trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the Esk Valley Walk and the Cleveland Way to the summit of Roseberry Topping. The trail is a mountain challenge, with steep slopes, rocky paths, and stunning views. You can enjoy the views of the moors and the coast, as well as the Cleveland Hills and the Tees Valley. You can also see the old villages, the farms, and the castles. The trail ends at Roseberry Topping, a distinctive hill that has a jagged peak and a nickname of “the Yorkshire Matterhorn”. You can climb to the top of the hill, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail is about 25 miles long, and takes about 12 hours to complete.

11. Whitby to Scarborough

This is one of the most popular and enjoyable trails and hikes in Whitby, as it follows the Cinder Track along the North Sea. The trail is a former railway line that was converted into a cycle route, and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. You can enjoy the views of the sea and the cliffs, as well as the beaches and the bays. You can also see the old stations, the viaducts, and the lighthouses. The trail ends at Scarborough, a lively seaside town that has a castle, a spa, and a theatre. You can also visit the Peasholm Park, a Japanese-themed park that has a lake, a pagoda, and a naval warfare show. The trail is about 21 miles long, and takes about 8 hours to complete.

Conclusion

So these are the best Trails and Hikes in Whitby which you must do, whitby is a town that has more to offer than meets the eye. It has many trails and hikes that are waiting to be explored by hikers and walkers of all ages and abilities. From coastal to mountain, from easy to hard, from short to long, Whitby has something for everyone. The next time you visit Whitby, don’t just stick to the usual tourist spots. Explore the trails and hikes that we have revealed in this article, and experience the beauty and adventure of this town in a different way. You will surely find some routes that will make your trip unforgettable, and you will fall in love with Whitby even more.