A LOVELY section of coastline with excellent views combined with a walk along the old railway and a visit to the waterfall and bay of Hayburn Wyke makes for an enjoyable walk.

This version starts at Cloughton but it can be extended by starting at Burniston or Scarborough itself.

The walk starts in Cloughton at the sharp corner of the A171 where you will take the land downhill towards the coast.

The road/lane soon leaves the village and heads through open countryside, crossing the old railway before ending at a small area of car parking after half a mile. The views from here are lovely, across the sea but also south along the cliffs to Hundale Point.

Turn north and join the coastal path.

Read more: The gorgeous North East walk you can try this weekend

Don't expect flat walking! After 400m the path drops sharply through some trees at a river, climbing equally steeply at the other side before continuing to steadily climb with open fields on the left.

It's impossible not to be conscious of the path's proximity to the cliffs, so be careful of venturing too close. After a further 300m you will arrive at the bench and viewpoint of Rodger Trod, from where the views are, again, very good.

Continue past the view point and along the cliff edge for a further one mile. This section has some rough shrubbery guarding the cliff edge. The erosion of the cliffs here are a classic example of a geography in action.

The Northern Echo: The routeThe route (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Towards the end of the one mile stretch there are some good views to the bay at Hayburn Wyke. On entering some woodland the path divides. Those not wanting to drop down to the bay should turn left towards a gate and open field. If you do want to drop down to the bay take the good, but steep, path to the right, initially alongside a stream. It's an 80m drop (260 feet) to the bay.

Hayburn Wyke Bay has a large stony beach, not always easy to walk on but it is a lovely spot to sit, ponder or explore the many rock pools. A waterfall at its foot adds to the attraction.

Now, however, the 80m drop has to be reversed before you head through a gate and onto an open field. Take the lane to the right which within a few metres arrives at the Hayburn Wyke Inn, a pub bursting with character. In winter this old coaching inn doesn't open on Monday and Tuesday, but it is open all day for the remainder of the week. You can imagine how popular it was when the railway was in operation.

The Northern Echo: The Hayburn Wyke InnThe Hayburn Wyke Inn (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A few metres up the road brings us to the old station and the start of the return walk along the old railway cinder track.

The old railway between Whitby and Scarborough was opened in 1885 to link the coastal towns with Teesside. As a result it handled some industry, acted as a tourist run for Victorian daytrippers and was of use for locals as a quick means of transport. It was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching Review but is now an excellent and easy bridleway.

Turn left at the old station onto the track and walk for one-and-a-half miles. The walk is mainly through woodland, lovely in spring and early summer and open enough to see the countryside beyond. The walking here is quick.

Veer off at Cloughton (signed) and join the outbound lane back to Cloughton.

As mentioned it is possible to add more to this walk. Starting at Burniston adds an extra three miles, Scarborough more like eight or nine.

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WALK FACTS

Distance: Roughly five miles.

Height to climb: 205m (670 feet).

Start: TA 010948. There is roadside parking on the lane near the sharp corner in Cloughton.

Difficulty: Medium. There are some steep sections along the coast, but it’s straightforward on the old railway.

Refreshments: There are three pubs in Cloughton – and the pub at Hayburn Wyke is worth a midway stop.

Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 27) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (essential on this walk). You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors.

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Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk. Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly. Also note the proximity of the path to steep coastal cliffs and do not venture too close to the edge

*Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has published three books on walks in the Dales – The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, The Dales 30 Mountains and the new Walks without Stiles, all of which are available direct from the Where2walk website.

Also on the site you can book a navigation training day in Long Preston, near Settle (Beginners or Mountain Skills). The dates and further information are available on the website, where2walk.co.uk, which also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.