Best Outdoor Pursuits in and Around Whitby

Whitby is an ideal place to take part in outdoor pursuits. Whether you already love outdoor activities and are looking for a way to spend time outdoors in Whitby or want to try something new. This article has you covered! Read on to learn all about outdoor pursuits in and around Whitby.

We love nothing more than spending time outdoors, especially when visiting Whitby. So, we want to share with you all the exciting outdoor pursuits you can participate in along the North Yorkshire Coast. From surfing to ziplining. Here is a selection of the best outdoor pursuits in and around Whitby for you to consider.

Surf or paddle board with Whitby Surf School

Surfing or paddle boarding in Whitby is one of the best ways to experience the coastline. Open from Spring, Whitby Surf School are great if you want to learn how to surf, hire equipment or try stand-up paddle boarding. They are located on the Whitby Promenade, West Cliff Beach, which is ideal if you are staying in the town. There are plenty of sessions and activities for adults and children, and they offer a Summer Beach Club through the summer holidays. The fully qualified instructors are lovely, whether you are after some extra tuition before heading out alone or a complete newbie. They are so passionate about making the sessions fun and exciting for you. 

Visit Dalby Forest and Go Ape

If you visit Whitby, North Moors National Park and Dalby Forest are must-see locations. Dalby Forest boasts 8,500 acres of woodland, walking, running, cycling and even Gruffalo trails. There are so many outdoor activities here for all ages to enjoy.

There are 14 walking trails in Dalby Forest. If you have children with you, The Gruffalo orienteering course and Superworm trail are ideal ways to enjoy the area together. Cycling is another popular activity at Dalby Forest too. Whether you are entirely new to cycling, need to hire a bike, or are ready to tackle the advanced routes, Dalby Forest offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling.

Dalby Activity Centre and the Go Ape courses are great if you like to get your adrenaline pumping. Go Ape features a Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure, and Forest Segways. The challenge course is 35 metres in the air, but there are smaller spaces for younger participants. Dalby Activity Centre hosts outdoor activities such as paintballing and laser combat. Outdoor activities are not just limited to the daytime here; Dalby Forest is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site where it has been possible to see the milky way with the naked eye. We provide further detail about Dalby Forest in this article. 

Try Boating in Ruswarp

Boating with Ruswarp Pleasure Boats is a great way to see more of the River Esk, spot local wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. There are traditional rowboats for those wishing to take it easy on the quiet and sheltered waters and canoes for those more active. This is another excellent option for families to spend time outdoors together or a fun way to enjoy an hour or two out on the water.

Walk the Cleveland Way

Walking part of the Cleveland Way is one of our favourite things to do when visiting Whitby. The Cleveland Way National Trail is a 109-mile (175 km) walking route officially opened on 24th May 1969. It was the second recognised National Trail in England and Wales. The Cleveland Way is brimming with colourful views, wildlife, and dramatic coastlines.

Seeing the abundance of heather moorland change with the seasons is fantastic. The route takes you past the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Whitby Abbey. It is worth taking plenty of time walking the path because there is much to see. The Cleveland Way starts from the quaint market town of Helmsley; most people walk the route clockwise from Helmsley to Filey as you are likely to have the wind behind you. But there is no right or wrong way, and plenty of people enjoy walking the route in the opposite direction.

Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Cleveland Way. It is an enjoyable way to explore the outdoors if you are new to outdoor pursuits. However, the route is challenging in places so make sure you plan a course suitable for you. 

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Cycle or walk the Cinder Track

You can walk or cycle along the Cinder Track between Whitby and Scarborough. It's 21 miles long, and the old railway line closed in 1965. The track provides a safe, off-road route for cyclists and walkers along the North Yorkshire Coast. The course is signposted the entire way, and many different walking routes include the Cinder Track. To complete the whole route, you need to give yourself two days. Strong cyclists can ride the route and then back in a day. Take care, as the track can be bumpy and uneven in parts.

Where can I hire a bike?

Trailways: You can hire or buy bikes and safety equipment suitable for all ages from Trailways, located alongside the Cinder Track. 

Dalby Bike Barn: Here, you can hire various bikes, including electric and mountain. They are located on the edge of Dalby Forest in the village of Thornton Le Dale.

Dalby Forest Cycle Hub: Located in Dalby Forest, the Cycle Hub offer a full range of hire bikes, including full suspension, hardtails, tag-along, trailers, baby seats, electric mountain bikes and adapted bikes. 

Try a Whitby fishing trip

Plenty of people visit Whitby, especially to take part in fishing. Fishing here lasts all year round if the weather permits it! However, many people find the best catch during the Winter as cod comes closer to the shore.

Barry and Jon at Whitby fishing trips are no strangers to outdoor pursuits. They are knowledgeable and friendly and provide fishing trips suitable for anglers of any skill. They offer summer evening trips which are two hours and specifically target Mackerel. These trips are great for families and beginners and are an exciting way to experience Whitby's coastline from a different angle. They also offer three-hour taster trips, allowing you to travel to each fishing mark around 3 miles from Whitby Harbour.

Fishing in Whitby is a brilliant way to spend time outdoors and a great learning experience, with the chance to catch a variety of species, from Whiting, Mackerel, and Pouting to larger species such as Halibut, Ling and Cod. Here you can learn more about each trip, find more fishing trip providers and find further information about fishing in Whitby.

Spot wildlife on a Whitby boat trip

Whitby's coastline is brimming with wildlife to discover. It is home to more than 230 species of fish, a considerable variety of crustaceans, dozens of birds, and marine animals such as seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins. So, jump on a pleasure boat trip and see what wildlife you will spot.

You have probably spotted Whitby Coastal Cruises' yellow boats heading in and out of the harbour. They take visitors on short trips around the bay, longer trips along the coast, wildlife-watching cruises, trips to the seal colony at Ravenscar, sunset and twilight trips, and river trips down to Ruswarp along the Esk on their smaller boat Dash II. These trips are well loves and a fantastic way to witness wildlife or experience a sunset from the sea. If you want to take a Whitby boat trip, check out our article, where you can find more information and boat trips from Whitby harbour.

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Whitby lends itself to outdoor pursuits. Hopefully, this article inspired you to try an outdoor pursuit in Whitby. Whether cycling the Cleveland Way or walking along the beach searching for jet, sea glass and fossils. Spending time outdoors, especially in this part of the world, hugely benefits our physical and mental health. In the comments, let us know your favourite outdoor pursuits in and around Whitby.