Robin Hood’s Bay lies only six miles from the seaside town of Whitby, and the route between the two offers its own delights, whether walked, driven, or cycled.
Robin Hood’s Bay, or Bay Town to the locals, is a small fishing village that picturesquely lies between two steep cliffs. With a rich history of its own, breathtaking scenery and cottages that stand unchanged by the hands of time, the journey between Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay is not one to be missed. Here is how you can walk, drive or cycle to Robin Hood’s Bay from Whitby.
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Walking from Whitby to Robin Hood’s
Walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay via the Cleveland Way
Starting the journey itself is an easy enough task as the path begins at the famous ruins of Whitby Abbey. After a little sightseeing at this historical location, it is only a short walk past Whitby Brewery and then you’re on your way. As this is a small part of the much larger Cleveland Way – a famous route that stretches over a hundred miles – the path here is well-trodden and clearly signposted.
Each twist and turn of this coastal path brings a fresh new look of the cliffs and the sea, a picture-postcard view that is ever-changing with every step. At approximately 7 miles long, this section of the Cleveland Way will take around three hours to complete. It is advisable to wrap up warm and appropriate footwear is a must – you’re right next to the North Sea, after all! As you draw ever closer to the end of the walk and turn that final corner, Robin Hood’s bay will appear majestically in front of you.
If you are brave enough to walk this path during winter you will be rewarded with snowy peaks that gaze down on the bay. This view alone makes the walk worth every step. Why not reward yourself with a well-deserved pint or a bite to eat in one of the many country pubs overlooking Robin Hood’s Bay. Give those tired legs a rest and take the quick bus ride back to Whitby. Find our full walking guide to this route here.
Walking from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay via the Cinder Track
We usually follow the Cinder Track to return back to Whitby after walking the Cleveland Way, it is 6.31 miles and a much flatter and more accessible walk than the Cleveland way.
The Cinder Track was previously an uneconomical coastal line that follows the route of the old railway from Scarborough to Whitby. The railway was in use from 1885 to 1965. It closed during the Beeching axe period in the 1960s. By 1972 all of the track had been removed, however, the route remains as a designated track for walking, cycling and even horse riding. The track was made from cinders rather than crushed stone which gives the route its name the Cinder Track.
Taking the bus from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay
Public transport between Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay has never been simpler or more streamed lined. For those who wish to reach the bay in a speedy twenty minutes, head to the bus station on Victoria Square. Catch the X93 bus. The journey will take you out of Whitby, crossing the River Esk and into open rolling farmland. Passing through the combined villages of High and Low Hawsker, the bus arrives in the heart of Robin Hood’s Bay on Thorpe Lane. Conveniently, this is also the stop to catch the returning bus back to Whitby. Check bus times here.
Cycling from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay
The Cinder Track is the perfect route for those wishing to cycle. The easiest way to start your route is to exit the road at Southend Gardens, a road running out of the centre of Whitby. Leaving the sound of traffic behind you, and instantly hugged in by nature, the path ahead is clear with only coppiced woodland on either side. After half a mile the trees on both sides gradually ebb away, revealing the jaw-dropping sight of the Larpool Viaduct. Cycling across the viaduct you are treated to some of the most beautiful views of the River Esk and the surrounding valleys of Whitby below. You will be crossing a piece of English cultural history. The viaduct is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula.
After a further three miles of scenic cycling, you will pass through the charming village of Hawkser. If you are without your own bikes, Hawkser is the location of Trailways Cycle Hire, a family-friendly outlet that hires out bicycles for as little as £20 a day. As an alternative to the many caravan sites, guest houses and hotels in Whitby, Trailways also offers accommodation in the form of luxury converted train carriages – a unique stay in the perfect cycling location. When exiting the village of Hawkser, The Cinder Track gently declines and sweeps down the Heritage Coast and into Robin Hood’s Bay, the cool sea air bringing a refreshing end to the six-mile trail. With such a clearly signposted and well-ridden trail, The Cinder Track is the perfect cycling route for families, young children and even seasoned cyclists.
Driving from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay
For those looking for the quickest mode of travel and route out of Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay then driving is of cause the best choice. With a relatively straight route of A and B roads connecting the two, you can arrive in the bay in as little as twelve minutes. Exiting Whitby’s east side via Helredale Road you will soon join the A171, following this road south for two and a half miles before passing through the village of Hawkser. Take a left onto the B1447 when leaving Hawkser, following this road southbound until you arrive at the north of Robin Hoods Bay. Learn more here about parking in Robin Hoods Bay.
