Fancy a walk that leads from the beach into quiet woodland and on to one of the Whitby area’s most atmospheric ruins?
The Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk follows the beck inland through Mulgrave Woods before reaching Old Mulgrave Castle. It is a brilliant walk for families, dog walkers and anyone who fancies swapping sea views for sheltered woodland paths for a couple of hours.
Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk: quick details
Difficulty: This circular walk from Sandsend is around 4 miles and is generally easy, with woodland paths, gentle inclines and a few uneven sections near the castle ruins.
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How long does it take? Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for the route, or a little longer if you plan to stop for photos, explore the ruins or take a picnic.
Terrain: Expect mostly easy woodland paths, with some muddy stretches after rain and a few uneven spots near the castle ruins. Sturdy trainers should be fine in dry weather, but walking boots are a better choice in winter or after a wet spell.
Mulgrave Woods opening times
Mulgrave Woods are open to the public from dawn to dusk on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and are closed throughout May. Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on leads while walking through the estate.
Where to park for the Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk
There are a few parking options in Sandsend, depending on where you want to begin the walk.
Sandsend Car Park is a handy choice if you want to start close to the beach, cafes and nearby public toilets. From here, you can walk through the village towards East Row and pick up the route into Mulgrave Woods.
East Row Car Park is closer to the start of the woodland route, so it can be a good choice if you want to get going straight away. As with all parking in Sandsend, make sure you check the signs, payment options and time limits before leaving the car.
You may also find parking along Sandsend Road where permitted, especially outside the busiest times of year. Be mindful that spaces can fill quickly on sunny days, weekends and school holidays.
How to follow the Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk
The route is fairly easy to follow once you are in Mulgrave Woods, but there are several paths through the estate, so it is worth having a map or walking app handy before you set off.
- From Sandsend, make your way towards East Row, where the walk leaves the village and heads inland.
- Pick up the path beside East Row Beck and follow it into Mulgrave Woods.
- As you move away from the coast, the walk quickly becomes quieter and more sheltered, with trees around you and the beck running alongside the path.
- Continue through the woods, crossing small bridges and passing streams as the route follows the valley inland.
- After around a mile, you will reach Old Mulgrave Castle. The ruins sit above the valley, so take your time around this section as the ground can be uneven.
- This is a lovely place to pause for photos, have a picnic or take in the views across the surrounding woodland.
- To complete the circular route, follow the paths back towards Sandsend, keeping close to the beck as the woods begin to open out near the village.
Once you arrive back in Sandsend, you can head for the beach, stop for something to eat or extend the walk along the coast towards Whitby.
Old Mulgrave Castle
Old Mulgrave Castle is the highlight of the walk, and it is worth taking a little time to enjoy it when you arrive. The ruins sit on a narrow ridge above the valley, with Sandsend Beck on one side and East Row Beck on the other.
The castle was founded around 1200 by Robert de Turnham, replacing an earlier motte-and-bailey castle nearby. It was already described as ruinous by 1309, although parts of it were still used later. During the Civil War, it was partly demolished in 1647 to stop it being used as a stronghold.
Today, the ruins are peaceful and atmospheric, with sections of the old walls, gateway and keep still visible. Please take care around the castle, avoid climbing on the stonework and follow any signs from the estate. It is a protected historic site, and the best way to enjoy it is slowly, respectfully and with plenty of time to take in the setting.
After the walk
Once you arrive back in Sandsend, it is worth spending a little time by the sea before heading home. The beach is lovely for a wander at low tide, and there are places nearby to grab a drink, lunch or something sweet after the walk.
The Fish Cottage is a great option if you fancy seafood or fish and chips by the coast, while Mary’s Sandwich Shop is ideal for a more relaxed bite, with generous sandwiches, coffee and laid-back seaside vibes. Check opening times before you go, especially if you are visiting outside the peak season.
If you still have energy, you can continue along the coast towards Whitby. Or simply enjoy the views back across the bay. This is one of the nicest things about the Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk. You get woodland, ruins, streams and sea air all in one route, without having to travel far from Whitby.
Start from Whitby to extend the walk
You can also turn this into a longer walk by starting in Whitby instead of Sandsend. We walked from Whitby to Sandsend via Sandsend Road, continued through Mulgrave Woods to Old Mulgrave Castle, then returned to Sandsend before walking back to Whitby along the beach.
It makes a brilliant longer route. Especially on a clear day when you can enjoy both the woodland and the coast in one walk. The beach section between Sandsend and Whitby is beautiful, but it is tide-dependent. Always check the tide times before setting off and avoid walking this stretch when the tide is coming in.
Things to know before you go
A little planning will make the Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk much easier, especially as Mulgrave Woods are not open every day.
- Check the opening days: Mulgrave Woods are open to the public from dawn to dusk on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The woods are closed throughout May.
- Keep dogs on leads: Dogs are welcome in the woods. But they must be kept on leads while walking through the estate.
- Wear sensible footwear: The route is fairly easy, but the paths can get muddy after rain. Walking boots are a good idea in wet weather.
- Save the route before you set off: There are several paths through Mulgrave Woods. It is helpful to have a map or walking app ready.
- Take drinks and snacks: There are places to eat and drink in Sandsend, but you will not find facilities once you are in the woods. Bring water and a snack, especially if you are walking with children or planning to stop at the castle.
- Respect the castle ruins: Take care around Old Mulgrave Castle. Avoid climbing on the stonework and follow any signs from the estate.
- Leave no trace: Take any litter home with you and help keep the woods beautiful and thriving for everyone.
Looking for an exact walking route to follow?
There are many routes to follow through Mulgrave Woods up to Old Mulgrave Castle. You can find these on popular walking apps such as Komoot and AllTrails. The route we recommend can be found below it takes around 2 hours and is a circular walk from Sandsend.
The Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle walk is a brilliant route if you want to see a quieter side of the Whitby area. It has coast, woodland, streams, castle ruins and plenty of places to stop afterwards, all packed into a walk that feels manageable and rewarding.
Have you walked from Sandsend to Mulgrave Castle? Let us know in the comments. We always love hearing about your favourite walks around Whitby.
