10.8 miles.
Explorer Map OL27, - North York Moors (Eastern Area)
The basic walk involves an outward leg from Staithes to
Runswick Bay along the Cleveland Way footpath, with a loop from Runswick
Bay using the dismanted railway trackbed, returning to Staithes essentially
the way one came out.
An extra section was added on, - the descent from Port Mulgrave down
to the old harbour, and then up to the Cleveland Way footpath again.
However, this section is very steep, and when wet is extremely slippery
and needs great care.
The basic walk, though, is an all seasons walk which is fairly straightforward.
There are NO navigational problems, and the only difficulties might
be found in the fairly steep descent down to Runswick Bay followed by
the ascent out of Runswick Bay.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from the public car park in Staithes (NZ78150 18560).
Out of season, - November through February, this is no charge for using
this car park.
Exit the car park by the footpath down into Staithes, Descend into Staithes
by the footpath which goes above Staithes bank, - overlooking the houses
below you.
From Staithes harbour, take the signposted Cleveland Way footpath to
Port Mulgrave and Runswick Bay.
The footpath is VERY well marked and is extremely straightforward to
follow.
Where the Cleveland Way footpath meets Runswick Bank Top, continue almost
straight ahead down the Ellerby Road.
AT NZ803 156, the dismantled railway trackbed meets the road on your
left. The "entrance" to the trackbed is somewhat overgrown,
but there are some steps there which help you recognise it.
Follow the track bed South Eastwards for about 2 miles, until you come
to a gate at NZ820 152 which leads you down to the Cleveland Way footpath.
Return to Runswick Bay along this path.
There is a steep drop down to Runswick Bay itself, though steps cut
into the valley side help the walker.
Walk along the beach to Runswick Bay.
Here you can either return to Runswick Bank Top by taking the footpath
through the houses in the village, or walk up the road past the car
park. The former route is the more scenic.
Return to Staithes the way you came out.
As an alternative footpath to return to the car park, which cuts out
the need to enter Staithes itself, there is a footpath that leaves the
Cleveland Way at NZ787 186 and heads for Cliff Farm. From Cliff Farm,
take the road and then footpaths back into the Staithes car park.