Walking to Hayburn Wyke Waterfall from Burniston
There are few walks we recommend more often than Hayburn Wyke.
Hidden beneath the cliffs north of Burniston, the path drops through ancient woodland to a rocky cove where the stream tumbles over the rocks onto the beach. The National Trust describes it as a double waterfall, and it’s one of the loveliest places to stop along this stretch of the Yorkshire Coast.
You can drive closer.
But from The Lodge, we think the best way to see it is on foot.
THE DETAILS >>
ROUTE // The Lodge → Cleveland Way → Hayburn Wyke Waterfall → Hayburn Wyke Inn → Cinder Track → Burniston
DISTANCE // Approx. 8–9 miles / 13–14 km
TIME // Approx. 4–4½ hours walking
DIFFICULTY // Moderate
TERRAIN // Clifftop paths · steep woodland sections · steps · Cinder Track
STOP // Hayburn Wyke Inn
START + FINISH // The Lodge, Burniston
From Burniston to Hayburn Wyke
Pick up the Cleveland Way in Burniston and head north.
The route follows the clifftops towards Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke, with the North Sea alongside you for much of the walk. The Cleveland Way is waymarked with the familiar acorn symbol, so once you're on the trail it's easy to follow.
This is one of those walks where the journey is as much the point as the destination: open coastline, changing sea views and stretches where there is very little between you and the horizon.
Eventually, the coast path reaches the woodland around Hayburn Wyke.
Looking down towards Hayburn Wyke from the Cleveland Way.
Hayburn Wyke Waterfall, hidden in the woodland above the beach.
Following the Cleveland Way through Hayburn Wyke woodland.
The Hayburn Wyke Inn — a very welcome stop along the way.
Down to the waterfall
This is where the landscape changes.
The open cliffs give way to woodland and winding paths leading down towards the sea. At the bottom is a rocky bay where the beck reaches the beach in a double waterfall.
After heavy rain, it's at its most dramatic. After a dry spell, it can be considerably quieter.
Either way, it's worth the walk.
There are rocks above the falls that make a beautiful picnic spot, although take care around the woodland and cliff edges — there are steep drops in places.
Make it a circular walk
Rather than retracing the Cleveland Way all the way home, you can return towards Burniston using the Cinder Track.
The former Scarborough to Whitby railway is now a 21-mile walking, cycling and riding route running along the coast, including through Hayburn Wyke.
It makes a brilliant contrast.
Cleveland Way out. Cinder Track back.
Clifftops and sea views in one direction. Woodland and the old railway line in the other.
Stop at the Hayburn Wyke Inn
If a Yorkshire pub in the middle of a long coastal walk sounds appealing, build in a stop at the Hayburn Wyke Inn.
It sits close to the walking routes above the cove, making it an easy detour before continuing back towards Burniston.
We'd allow plenty of time for this walk rather than rushing it. Stop at the waterfall. Have lunch. Sit on a bench overlooking the sea.
That's rather the point.
Before you go
Wear proper walking shoes, particularly after rain, when the woodland paths can be slippery.
Check the weather and tide before setting off if you're planning to spend time on the beach, and stay away from the base of the cliffs. The National Park recommends appropriate footwear and checking local tide times when exploring this coastline.
And bring a layer. Even when Burniston feels warm, the weather on the cliffs can have other ideas.
From The Lodge
One of the things we love about Burniston is being able to leave the car behind.
The Cleveland Way, Cinder Track and Yorkshire Coast are all right here, making walks like Hayburn Wyke part of a stay rather than somewhere you have to make a special journey to reach.
Walk north. Find the waterfall. Stop for a pint.
Then head back to The Lodge.
