A visit to Staithes

by John
(York)

Set off on the A64 to Malton (if it is school holidays try to leave before 9 am as it gets quite busy) then take the A169 towards Whitby, approximately 42 miles from York (about an hour).

You will be compelled to stop at "The Hole of Horcum" which is a massive hole in the ground apparently gouged out by a glacier.....very impressive.

Back on to the A169 then A174 to Runswick Bay (approx 28 miles ..40 mins)

As you go into Runswick Bay there is a pub virtually opposite the the T junction (sorry cannot remember its name). This is where you join the Cleveland way to walk along the coast to Staithes.

Anyway, turn right at the T junction, keep on the "top" road and head for the Cliffmount Hotel. Across the road from this is a free car park and public toilets. If you take the "low" road you will be near the beach, and the car park is Pay & Display!!

From the previously mentioned un-named pub it is approximately 1 and a half miles along the cliff top path to Port Mulgrave. As the path joins the road there is a sign " T Room 400 yards left" I did not try this but went right and sat on the bench alongside the 4 parking spaces.

From here it is a further 1 and a half miles to Staithes which is a quaint old fashioned (in a good way) place. There are 2 pubs, 2 galleries,1 Antique Centre and a couple of Tea rooms and usually an Ice cream van.

Also there is the delightful Captain Cook & Heritage Centre housed in a former Methodist Chapel (£2.75 for adults)

Please be aware that it is a very steep walk up the hill to one of the tea rooms and the car park.(£3 for 4 hours)

The return leg along the same route to Runswick Bay shows a different view of the coastline. It is not a difficult walk with only a couple of "up and down" bits.

It is not a full day or too energetic.

Hope you enjoy it.