For those who love to explore the Yorkshire coast and countryside, the Cleveland Way is a must. One of the highlights of this 109-mile-long trail is the 10.5-mile walk from Scarborough to Filey. Here’s all you need to know about the Scarborough to Filey coastal walk.
This 10.5-mile walk offers stunning views of the coastline, without being too strenuous. Starting in Scarborough, you’ll leave the arcade sounds behind as you follow the path along the cliffs, enjoying the scenery of Cayton Bay and Flamborough Head before arriving in Filey. It’s a wonderful way to soak up some fresh sea air and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. While most of the walk is fairly level, there are a few steep sections that might require a bit of extra effort. But don’t worry, with a little bit of determination and some comfortable walking shoes, you’ll be able to tackle this beautiful trail with ease.
Scarborough to Filey Coastal Walk
10.5 miles | Moderate walking route | Takes 3 – 4 hours
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The starting point for this walk is the Scarborough Train Station to begin your journey along the Cleveland Way. Once you arrive, head towards South Bay Beach near the Grand Hotel. The seafront promenade extends northwards from this point, offering an opportunity to grab some food or drinks to set you up for your walk.
Next you make your way out of town south along the coast, you’ll come across the Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift and the gardens above. This funicular railway has a rich history, having been built in 1873 to transport passengers between the South Cliff Esplanade and Scarborough Spa. At the time, the spa was the most popular music venue outside of London. Today, this lift is one of only two operational cliff lifts out of the five that once existed in Scarborough.
Leave Scarborough and head onto the Cleveland Way
Once you reach the end of the road beyond Scarborough Spa, you’ll find a tarmac path that leads you along the beach. This path is the Cleveland Way, and it takes you all the way to the Star Disk. The Star Disk is a beautiful, illuminated diagram of the 42 brightest stars visible in the sky over Scarborough. It’s worth coming back here at night to see the disk glowing with lights. It’s interesting to note that the Star Disk is located where a outdoor swimming pool used to be. This swimming pool was once one of the town’s most popular attractions, but unfortunately, it had to be closed in 1989.
As you continue along The Cleveland Way, you’ll come across a beautiful grassy headland and a tree-lined path leading you to the cliffs. Alongside the Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club. Beyond the golf course, the path turns inland briefly before taking a left turn to follow Osgodby Hill Road for a short distance. From there, it descends back onto the old path down Tenants Cliff.
Cayton Bay
As you go through the dense woodland, you’ll come across steep steps that eventually lead to the path along the top of Cayton Bay. Lucy’s Beach Shack is an excellent spot at the halfway point if you’re looking for a place to rest during your walk. You can grab a coffee or a bite to eat before continuing towards Filey. Cayton Bay is an excellent location for dog owners, as it’s dog-friendly year-round. Plus, you can explore the fossils and rock formations that date back around 150 million years ago.
As you reach the end of Cayton Bay, the Cleveland Way leads you up Lebberston Cliff. It’s a rugged and open terrain that offers breathtaking views of the coast that seem to stretch out for miles. Take a moment to turn around and appreciate the stunning sight of Cayton Bay behind you.
Filey Brigg
After reaching the cliff tops, the walk continues past a holiday park and along Newbiggin Cliff and North Cliff until it reaches Filey Brigg. It’s important to be very careful on the high and close-to-the-edge path. Take care with children and dogs.
After completing the walk to Filey, you should take a quick detour to Filey Brigg. This short peninsula to the north of the town centre boasts cliffs that rise up to 20 metres high. During low tide, you might spot fossil hunters and fishermen exploring the area. It’s worth noting that Filey Brigg is a site of Special Scientific Interest, given its geological significance. It’s also a local Nature Reserve that you can access for free all year round.
As you explore the Brigg, keep an eye out for a stone sculpture marked with the National Trust’s acorn logo. This marks the end of two National Trails: the Yorkshire Wolds Way and the Cleveland Way. The full circular walk around Filey Brigg is approximately two kilometres long. According to local legends, the Devil himself created Filey Brigg after losing his hammer in the sea in the area. Another story suggests that the rocks were formed by the bones of a dragon.
Once you return to Filey, there are several welcoming cafes where you can relax and enjoy some refreshments while basking in the sense of achievement from walking the final stretch of the Cleveland Way.
Where can I park for the Scarborough to Filey coastal walk?
Parking at Station Avenue pay and display car park in Filey is a great option. From there, you can catch the train to Scarborough for an easy and convenient way to start your walk. Alternatively, if you prefer to park in Scarborough, plenty of pay and display car parks are available. Then, when you’re finished with your walk, catch the train back from Filey. Bus services run from Scarborough to Filey, such as the 555. View the timetable here.
The Scarborough to Filey coastal walk is perfect for anyone who loves nature and spending time outdoors. It’s a great way to experience the coastline and get your steps up! You can share your photos with us on Facebook or Instagram or leave a comment below if you’ve completed this walk. We love to hear about your experiences.
