Clifftop paths, cobbled lanes, and a sweep of North Yorkshire coast
Where moorland meets sea — and every walk ends in a story-filled village.
Robin Hood’s Bay is a characterful base for walking holidays and outdoor adventures on the Cleveland Way and the Coast to Coast Path. Tucked between Whitby and Ravenscar, the village drops steeply to a broad bay of rock platforms and sands, with clifftop paths, beach walks, and old smugglers’ alleys to explore. From the harbour, follow the Cleveland Way north toward Whitby Abbey or south over wild headlands to Ravenscar; or take the traffic-free Cinder Track inland for an easier gradient and big sea views.
Why Walk Here
- Cleveland Way with superb cliff-edge day sections.
- Traditional finale (or start) of the Coast to Coast Path.
- Mix of clifftop, beach, and old village lanes in one compact base.
- Easy add-ons via the Cinder Track to Whitby or Scarborough.
- Great for photographers, fossil-hunters, and heritage lovers.
Nearby Trails
- Cleveland Way: Robin Hood’s Bay → Whitby – Cliff paths, lighthouse views, and an abbey skyline.
- Cleveland Way: Robin Hood’s Bay → Ravenscar – Wilder headlands with seals often seen from the cliffs.
- The Cinder Track (Rail Trail) – Gentle, traffic-free route north to Whitby or south toward Scarborough.
- Coast to Coast Path (Finish/Start) – Iconic cross-England route traditionally ending on the Bay’s beach.
- Boggle Hole & Stoupe Beck Sands – Short coastal route with rock pools and wave-cut platforms.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
- Sunrise/sunset clifftop walks and village-roofline photography.
- Beachcombing and rock-pooling on low tides; occasional fossil finds.
- Family-friendly cycling and running on the Cinder Track.
- Link Cleveland Way day sections for a multi-day coastal holiday.
