Most Cleveland Way walkers pass through Staithes.
Stay here, and the trail starts at the front door.
Heart Stone Cottage sits in the old village, about a minute from the path. Walk out one morning and turn north. Walk out the next and turn south. Two completely different days, and the car never moves.
North: Staithes to Saltburn
About 8.6 miles. Allow around four and a half hours.
This is the big-cliff day. Climb out of the village and up towards Boulby, the highest cliffs on England’s east coast at 203 metres. The path drops down to Skinningrove, a village built on ironstone mining, then climbs again along the clifftops into Saltburn.
It is a proper workout. Steady climbs, a few steep drops, and wide sea views the whole way.
South: Staithes to Runswick Bay – and on to Whitby
Runswick Bay is about 3 miles. Allow about an hour.
The path follows the clifftops past Port Mulgrave, where an old pier once loaded ironstone onto boats. Then Runswick Bay opens up below you – red roofs tumbling down to a curve of sand.
Keep going and you reach Sandsend, then Whitby. Staithes to Whitby is about 11 miles in total.
Getting back
You don’t have to walk both ways.
The X4 bus runs along the coast road between Saltburn, Runswick Bay, Sandsend and Whitby. Walk out, bus home. Check the timetable before you set off.
Before you go
- Check the tide times. The route into Runswick Bay crosses the beach, then climbs steep steps up the gully.
- Stay back from the edge. These are soft cliffs and they are still eroding. Dogs on leads up top.
- Expect diversions. Parts of the path have moved inland after cliff falls.
- Wear proper boots. Both directions have steep climbs.
The best bit
Coming home.
Boots off at the door. Fire on. A drink at The Cod & Lobster or The Royal George.
Then do it all again tomorrow, the other way.
Planning your trip? See getting here, then check dates and book direct.