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Runswick Bay ~ Hard Walk
Runswick Bay ~
Hard Walk
A rewarding and challenging walk which starts at the village of Runswick Bay a village perched on the North Yorkshire coast. It passes through woodland and through the village of Staithes before rewarding you with jaw-dropping views of the cliffs and coastline on the way back to Runswick Bay along the Cleveland Way. There is challenging climbing in this walk at the very start at Runswick Bay and after leaving Staithes. Take a walking stick as the woodland part of the walk can become very muddy after rainfall. Please allow time for stopping and taking in the amazing views on the return to Runswick Bay!
Getting ThereFrom Middlesbrough follow the A174 through Saltburn via Saltburn bank and continue on the A174 coastal road. The Runswick Bay turnoff is a left turn after the Staithes turn off. Parking is best to be found in the public car park near the bottom of the steep road into Runswick Bay before the roundabout.
Map of the Runswick Bay walk
The Walk From the car park turn left and make your way up the very steep bank away from the village to Runswick Bank top. This is a very steep walk and at the beginning of the walk, however there is no more climbing until you progress your way into Staithes and from Staithes.
Bear left at the top and follow Hinderwell Lane walking over 400 metres until you come to a waymarked stile to your left.
Make your way through two fields keeping the hedge to your left.
Soon you will come to a main road. Taking care turn right but then look for the first left turning which is a road into Newton Mulgrave. Follow this road into Newton Mulgrave passing through the hamlet until you come to a track to the right. This can be found approximately 300 yards after the hamlet.
This track passes to the side of a field and looking for a gate, keep on the track to your left which will have a fence to your left and a hedge on your right.
Follow the track and follow it so you are walking above the wood. Soon you will see a path leading into the wood to the left - take this path and enter the woods.
The path into the woods can get muddy in wet weather. However it is negotiable if you take a walking stick and extra care. Keep ahead at a junction on the path and you will soon emerge into a clearing (if you have completed the Staithes walk this will be familiar to you). A pitstop can be taken on a bench to the right.
As the path goes on it eventually passes a caravan site. Turn left to pass the site and then right to cross over a bridge.
Keep following the way to Dalehouses at a sign.
The track will end at a lane. Turn right and pass by the Fox and Hounds pub. Complete another gradual climb onto the main road ahead. Turn right and take the road left into Staithes.
Follow the road down into Staithes which drops down into the charming fishing village. Another pitstop can be made in Staithes.
At the Cod and Lobster follow the road up which is a climb and you will come to a sign for the Cleveland Way. Follow the stepped path up until you come to a farm.
After the farm continue on the path ahead and you will then come to another climb up a grassy slope. Take the middle slope it is easier, however most will find both options a challenge. The reward for the tough climb is a magnificent view of the coastline.
Looking behind you will see Staithes and ahead you can see the headland of Kettleness. Follow the path taking care when taking photos. Safety first! Following the Cleveland Way you will soon come into Port Mulgrave. Pass by some buildings and look for a turning on the left where the Cleveland Way continues.
Follow the Cleveland Way coming across more stunning views of the coastline and keep on the path which eventually leads away from the coastline into Runswick Bay itself. Do some more exploring of the labyrinth of cottages. There are plenty of places to eat and have some well-earned refreshments!
