Walking the Cleveland Way from Burniston
One of the best things about staying at The Lodge is having one of England’s great National Trails almost on the doorstep.
A view along the Cleveland Way from Burniston, looking south along the Yorkshire Coast towards Scarborough Castle.
The Cleveland Way passes through Burniston on its journey along the Yorkshire Coast, following dramatic clifftops, hidden coves and woodland before continuing towards Scarborough in one direction and Ravenscar, Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby in the other.
You certainly don’t need to walk all 109 miles to experience it. Some of our favourite sections can be walked straight from the village, making it easy to leave the car behind, pull on your walking boots and spend the day exploring the coast.
The Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way is one of England’s National Trails, travelling through the North York Moors before meeting the coast and following it south towards Filey.
The coastal stretch is particularly beautiful. The official National Trail route between Whitby and Scarborough takes in Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar and Hayburn Wyke before passing through Burniston on its way towards Scarborough. Expect plenty of ups and downs, exposed clifftops and some spectacular views across the North Sea.
For guests at The Lodge, however, you don't have to venture far.
Burniston to Hayburn Wyke
Around 4 miles one way · Allow approximately 2–2½ hours
This is our pick.
From Burniston, join the Cleveland Way and head north along the coast. The route takes you past Long Nab and onwards towards Cloughton Wyke, with the sea beside you for much of the walk.
Eventually the path descends into the woodland at Hayburn Wyke, where the trees open onto a secluded rocky cove and a double waterfall tumbles down towards the beach.
The coastal path can be exposed, steep and muddy in places, particularly after wet weather, so walking boots are a good idea.
And then comes our favourite part.
Make it a circular walk
Rather than retracing your steps along the cliffs, head inland from Hayburn Wyke and join the Cinder Track, the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line.
It makes for a much gentler return to Burniston after the climbs and descents of the Cleveland Way.
A published circular route beginning at Field Lane in Burniston, following the Cleveland Way north to Hayburn Wyke and returning via the Cinder Track, is 8¾ miles (14 km) and takes approximately 4¼ hours.
Our favourite way to do it: Cleveland Way out, waterfall, something to eat or drink at the Hayburn Wyke Inn, then the Cinder Track home.
And an outdoor bath when you get back.
The Cinder Track near Burniston, following the former railway line between Scarborough and Whitby through the North Yorkshire countryside.
Burniston to Ravenscar
If you fancy going further, continue north beyond Hayburn Wyke towards Ravenscar.
This is where the landscape starts to feel considerably wilder. The Cleveland Way continues along the clifftops, with the route climbing towards Ravenscar and opening up to wonderful views across Robin Hood’s Bay.
Ravenscar sits high above the coastline and marks one of the highest points on this stretch of the route. The National Trail describes the climb to Ravenscar as the greatest rise on the Whitby-to-Scarborough coastal section, reaching around 188 metres.
The old railway line also reaches Ravenscar, so the Cinder Track can provide an alternative route for part of your journey. From Scarborough, the Cinder Track to Ravenscar is approximately 10½ miles, passing through Burniston, Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke along the way.
If you're lucky, you may also spot the seals that live along this stretch of coastline.
Burniston to Scarborough
Turn south instead and the Cleveland Way takes you towards Scarborough.
The landscape gradually changes as you approach the town, eventually bringing you towards Scalby Mills and Scarborough's North Bay, with views towards Scarborough Castle on the headland.
The official National Trail route continues along the North Bay seafront from Scalby Mills before climbing towards the town centre.
It's a lovely option if you want to combine a coastal walk with coffee, lunch or a wander around Scarborough before making your way back to Burniston.
Alternatively, the Cinder Track also connects Burniston with Scarborough and provides an easier, largely traffic-free route home.
A quiet bench along the Cleveland Way overlooking the North Sea, surrounded by the coastal landscape near Burniston.
Walking the Cleveland Way from The Lodge
The Lodge is recognised as a Walking-Friendly business by the North York Moors National Park, and it's easy to see why we love this particular corner of the Yorkshire Coast.
You can spend the morning high above the sea, find a waterfall hidden in the woods, stop at a country pub and wander home along an old railway line without ever needing to get in the car.
A few things are worth remembering before setting out. Coastal weather can change quickly, sections of the Cleveland Way can become muddy and slippery after rain, and there are steep climbs and descents along the route. Check the weather before leaving, wear suitable footwear and stick to the marked paths.
Then come home, put on a fluffy robe and soak tired legs in the outdoor bath.
We can't think of a much better way to spend a day here.
