With hills to climb and vast views to see, there’s an abundance of walks to try on the Yorkshire Coast. Here, Route YC, shares some of its favourites.
Winter doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom. The UK comes alive in a very different way during the colder months, and nothing beats wrapping up warm and heading outdoors for an invigorating winter walk, especially along God’s county’s coastline.
While the cold weather and dark days can be an excuse to curl up under a blanket, itinerary planner Route YC (www.routeyc.co.uk), has scouted a selection of wonderful winter walks across the Yorkshire Coast that will have you leaving the sofa in no time.
FRAISTHORPE BEACH
Situated just south from Bridlington, Fraisthorpe is a beautiful, quieter sandy beach which is perfect for a peaceful winter stroll. You will find tons of soft sand as the tide drifts out a long way, making it great for dog walkers all year round.
However, this beach isn’t just a peaceful destination to unwind, it also holds decades of history as you are now able to spot debris from sea defenses and World War II structures. The beach is also backed by low cliffs and as you head north up the beach, you will find some breathtaking views and cliff-top scenery.
HUNMANBY GAP
Hunmamby Gap is a large expanse of sandy beach that is perfect if you are looking for a more unspoiled, and relaxing seaside walk. When the tide is out, you can walk the full distance from Filey to Hunmamby gap along the seafront, approximately 5km each way.
If you choose to walk in the opposite direction, you will reach the tidy, secluded beach at Reighton, where you’ll be able to take in even more awe-inspiring views. At Reighton the descent can be steep, and muddy, however this is a great place to take children for a spot of fossil-hunting along the way and, at low tide, you can walk as far as the white chalk cliffs at Speeton.
MAPPLETON BEACH
Located just 3.5 miles South of Hornsea, Mappleton Beach is quiet and more secluded than other Yorkshire beaches that can often get busy, even during the colder months. Mappleton is a petrologist’s dream as the beaches eroding cliffs reveal Jurassic and cretaceous rocks including corals, molluscs, and ammonites. Mappleton is one of the best beaches in East Yorkshire and without a doubt, it’s a hidden treasure.
Additionally, you can easily walk from Hornsea to Mappleton Beach without having to navigate busy roads or residential areas. You can stick to the sand and take in the stunning coastline during your walk.
CLOUGHTON TO HAYBURN WYKE
One of the more challenging walks, this five-mile circular walk follows an exhilarating stretch of the Cleveland Way National Trail footpath above the cliffs to Hayburn Wyke, before returning along the track-bed of the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line.
Starting at Cloughton Station, northwest of Scarborough, you will explore the wooded valley of Haburn Wyke, which reaches down to a magnificent rocky cove complete with a tumbling waterfall and spectacular giant boulders.
LITTLEBECK AND FALLING FOSS
One of the most favored places to explore on the North Yorkshire Coast is the Falling Foss waterfall and surrounding woodland area. It’s a perfect place to visit with family, as the walk is not too difficult for younger children.
Starting in the Forestry Commission car park near to Falling Foss, the stunning waterfall is soon reached, with a 30-foot drop that looks quite spectacular, especially after heavy rain in the winter. The walk continues on to Littlebeck affording views of the surrounding countryside. From Littlebeck, the coast-to-coast path is followed back towards Falling Foss through Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve, passing the Hermitage at the top of the wooded gorge.
KILNSEA WETLANDS
For walkers and nature lovers, a stop off at Withernsea’s Kilnsea Wetlands is a must. This wild and wonderful reserve is being developed to provide refuge for passage and wintering roosting waters, making it a great wildlife observation spot in the autumn and winter. Check the tides before visiting, as you’re likely to see greater numbers with a high tide. Freshwater and saline pools with islands, spits and wetland grassland with seasonal scapes can also be seen in this area.
No two days are the same at Kilnsea as the landscape is unique and ever-changing. If you’re feeling extra adventurous just south of Kilnsea, you’ll find Spurn National Nature Reserve which is a similar wildlife haven.
To find more scenic routes across the Yorkshire Coast, please visit www.routeyc.co.uk, or download the new mobile app through the Apple store or Android market. The site is designed to make it easy for visitors to plan their trip with access to services and attractions available to book direct online.
