The Saltburn to Staithes Walk follows the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, taking you past towering cliffs, hidden coves and endless sea views before finishing in the picture-perfect fishing village of Staithes. Every mile feels like a postcard, making this an unforgettable adventure for walkers, photographers and nature lovers alike.

🌊 Saltburn to Staithes Walk | The Ultimate North Yorkshire Coastal Adventure 🥾🏴

If there’s one coastal walk that deserves a place on every UK walking bucket list, it’s this. Stretching between the Victorian seaside charm of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and the timeless fishing village of Staithes, this unforgettable section of the Cleveland Way showcases the Yorkshire coast at its absolute best.

Expect towering sea cliffs, hidden coves, dramatic headlands, sweeping North Sea views, fascinating industrial heritage and abundant wildlife, all wrapped into an incredible 8–9 mile adventure. Every mile reveals something new, from windswept clifftops and peaceful coastal paths to historic mining remains and picture-perfect harbours that seem frozen in time.

The scenery is constantly changing, making the walk feel far shorter than it is. One moment you’re gazing across endless blue horizons, the next you’re wandering through ancient fishing communities where narrow cobbled streets tumble towards the sea.

Whether you’re a keen walker, photographer or simply searching for one of England’s most spectacular coastal hikes, the Saltburn to Staithes Walk is an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve reached the harbour.

📍 Route List

A). Saltburn Pier & Promenade

B). Hunt Cliff

C). Cattersty Beach

D). Skinningrove

E). Hummersea Cliff Section

F). Boulby Cliffs

G). Staithes Harbour

Where to Stay in Saltburn-by-the-Sea

🌟 Route Breakdown

A). Saltburn Pier & Promenade

Kick off your walk at Saltburn’s classic Victorian seafront — the pier, the cliff tramway, the long sandy beach, and that unmistakable North Sea breeze. It’s the perfect “big start” before the cliffs rise ahead of you.

Vibe: Traditional seaside, bright, breezy Why start here: Easy parking, cafés, toilets, and instant sea views Tip: Grab a coffee from the seafront huts — you’ll appreciate it on the first climb Best time: Morning light hits the pier beautifully Time here: 15–20 minutes

B). Hunt Cliff

One of the most dramatic cliff faces on the east coast. The path climbs quickly, giving you huge drops, seabird colonies, and panoramic views stretching for miles.

Vibe: Wild, exposed, breathtaking Highlight: Some of the biggest uninterrupted sea views on the route Tip: On windy days, stay slightly inland — gusts can be fierce Best time: Late morning for clear visibility Time here: 20–30 minutes (including photo stops)

C). Cattersty Beach

A quiet, underrated sandy bay tucked beside Skinningrove. Peaceful, open, and a great spot to pause before the climb out of the valley.

Vibe: Calm, surprisingly scenic Highlight: A rare quiet beach on this coastline Tip: If the tide’s out, walk the sand for a softer, scenic detour Best time: Midday — the cliffs glow beautifully Time here: 10–15 minutes

D). Skinningrove

Drop steeply into this historic ironstone‑mining village. The contrast from the cliffs above is striking — raw coastline, industrial heritage, and a long, windswept beach.

Vibe: Industrial heritage meets coastal charm Highlight: The valley descent and the sudden shift in atmosphere Tip: Visit the Mining Museum if you want a deeper sense of place Best time: Early afternoon Time here: 20–30 minutes

E). Hummersea Cliff Section

A remote, rugged stretch where the path hugs the cliff edge. It feels wild and untouched — just you, the wind, and the North Sea.

Vibe: Isolated, dramatic, windswept Highlight: One of the most atmospheric sections of the entire route Tip: This is the section where you’ll want layers — it’s always cooler Best time: Afternoon for deep blue sea views Time here: 30–40 minutes

F). Boulby Cliffs

The highest cliffs on England’s east coast — soaring to around 200 metres. This is the big moment of the walk, with vast views and a real sense of scale.

Vibe: Grand, powerful, unforgettable Highlight: The highest point of the route, literally and visually Tip: Stop for a snack here — it’s the best viewpoint on the entire walk Best time: Golden hour if you’re doing a late‑day walk Time here: 20–30 minutes

G). Staithes Harbour

Finish in one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful fishing villages. Narrow lanes, colourful cottages, and a sheltered harbour make this the perfect end point.

Vibe: Cosy, historic, picture‑perfect Highlight: The descent into the village — one of the best views in Yorkshire Tip: Book a table at the Cod & Lobster if you want a proper finish Best time: Late afternoon or sunset Time here: As long as you like

Hotels & Places to Stay Near Staithes

🕒 Recommended Time to Complete the Full Walk

• Fast pace: 3–3.5 hours
• Steady pace: 4–5 hours
• Leisurely with photo stops: 5–6 hours
• Full experience with food + Staithes wander: 6–7 hours

This is a full but manageable day out — ideal for walkers who love dramatic coastline and a route that changes character as you go.

🧭 Planning Tips

Best Time of Year

• April–June: Wildflowers, long days, cooler walking temps
• July–September: Warmest weather, best visibility
• October: Dramatic skies and quieter paths
• Winter: Only for experienced walkers — winds can be brutal

Best Time of Day

• Start between 9–11am for the best light and a relaxed finish in Staithes
• Sunset finish is magical — Staithes glows

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🎒 What to Pack For the Journey

• Waterproof jacket (weather changes fast)
• Layers — the cliffs are always colder
• Plenty of water (no refill points on the cliffs)
• Snacks for Boulby Cliffs
• OS Maps app or offline map
• Power bank
• Walking poles if you prefer stability on steep descents

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🚍 Transport Tips

• Park in Saltburn
• Walk to Staithes
• Take the X4 bus back to Saltburn (runs regularly)
• Or taxi back if you want a quicker return

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🍽️ Food & Drink Suggestions

• Saltburn: Camfields Espresso Bar (pre‑walk coffee)
• Skinningrove: Kaskane Café (mid‑walk stop)
• Staithes: Cod & Lobster or The Royal George (post‑walk reward)

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⭐ Why This Walk Feels Like a Full Adventure

• Constantly changing scenery
• Big climbs and big views
• Industrial history + natural beauty
• Two iconic villages
• A sense of journey from start to finish

It’s one of those routes that stays with you — the kind you recommend to people for years.

Things to do in North Yorkshire