Cleveland Way coastal walk
Saltburn to Staithes Walk: The Ultimate Cleveland Way Coastal Adventure
A demanding but rewarding linear walk from Saltburn’s Victorian seafront to Staithes, following the Cleveland Way over high, exposed cliffs and through the former ironstone-mining village of Skinningrove.
At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
This is a proper point-to-point coastal walk rather than a gentle seaside wander. From Saltburn, the Cleveland Way climbs quickly above Hunt Cliff before tracking the North Yorkshire coast through Skinningrove and over Boulby Cliff to Staithes. The reward is a constantly changing mix of sea views, industrial heritage and a superb harbour finish.
Allow roughly four to five hours for the 9.1-mile route, and longer if you plan to stop for photographs or food. The path is waymarked with the National Trail acorn, but the ground is undulating and some cliff sections are exposed. This is a linear walk, so check the current return bus timetable before leaving Saltburn and carry an offline map as a backup.
Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Saltburn seafront to Hunt Cliff
Begin on Saltburn seafront and join the Cleveland Way heading south, climbing above Cat Nab and onto Hunt Cliff.
Parking or booking: Use a signed public car park in Saltburn and check current charges and closing times.
Hunt Cliff to Skinningrove
Stay with the National Trail acorn waymarks as the path follows the clifftop above Cattersty before descending towards Skinningrove.
Skinningrove to Boulby Cliff
Continue through Skinningrove, then regain the coastal path for the sustained climb and exposed section towards Hummersea and Boulby Cliff.
Route advice: This is the most sustained and exposed section; keep well back from cliff edges in wind or poor visibility.
Boulby Cliff to Staithes
Follow the Cleveland Way beyond Boulby and descend into Staithes. Finish at the harbour, then walk back up through the village for your return bus or arranged lift.
Coastal erosion can cause temporary diversions, so follow current signs on the ground even if they differ from an older map.
Route advice: Check the return bus before leaving Saltburn and follow current diversion signs caused by coastal erosion.
Useful overnight bases
Places to stay near the route
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, England
Compare places to stay →Staithes
Staithes, North Yorkshire, England
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Before you go
Practical information
The route includes steep climbs and descents, uneven ground and unfenced cliff edges. Wear grippy footwear, carry layers and water, and avoid walking close to the edge in strong winds or poor visibility. Keep dogs under close control, particularly around livestock and at Hunt Cliff, where the National Park asks visitors to use a lead. Do not rely on beach shortcuts: tides and cliff conditions can make them unsafe. For the return journey, check the latest Arriva X4/X4A timetable before travelling rather than relying on an old frequency.
Parking
Use a signed public car park in Saltburn and check the latest charges and closing times before setting off
Tickets and booking
No ticket is required. Check Saltburn parking charges and closing times, and confirm the current return bus timetable before setting off.
Seasonal considerations
Exposed cliffs are hazardous in strong wind, heavy rain, poor visibility, ice or storms. Coastal erosion and ground conditions can change at any time of year.
Toilets and refreshments
Use facilities in Saltburn before starting. Skinningrove and Staithes may provide refreshments, but carry your own water and food and check opening times.
Terrain
Undulating Cleveland Way clifftop paths with sustained climbs, steep descents, uneven ground and unfenced cliff edges.
Accessibility
This demanding linear coastal walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or conventional pushchairs because of steep gradients, uneven paths and exposed cliff sections.
Facilities
Public facilities and food options are available in Saltburn, Skinningrove and Staithes, but opening times vary. Carry enough water and food for the full walk.
Dogs
Keep dogs under close control around livestock and cliff edges. At Hunt Cliff, follow the National Park’s request to use a lead and obey all local signs.
Public transport
This is a linear walk. Check the latest Arriva X4/X4A timetable for the return from Staithes before leaving Saltburn, and allow a backup plan for disruption.
Road conditions, tolls or permits
The walking route is mostly off-road but starts and finishes in settlements. Use pavements and formal crossings where available and take care near coastal access roads.
Safety
Wear grippy footwear, carry layers, water and an offline map, avoid the cliff edge in wind or poor visibility, and never rely on tidal beach shortcuts.
Important cautions
Keep well back from unfenced cliff edges, especially in strong winds or poor visibility. Coastal erosion can force diversions; follow current National Trail signs and never use an unsafe beach shortcut.
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Useful answers
Saltburn to Staithes Walk: The Ultimate Cleveland Way Coastal Adventure FAQs
How long is the Saltburn to Staithes walk?
The Cleveland Way route is approximately 9.1 miles or 14.6 km. Allow around four to five hours, plus extra time for photographs, food and the return journey.
Is the Saltburn to Staithes walk difficult?
It is a moderate but demanding linear walk with sustained climbs, steep descents, uneven ground and exposed cliff edges. Confident walkers with suitable footwear should allow a full half day.
How do you get back from Staithes to Saltburn?
Use the current Arriva X4 or X4A bus service or arrange a lift. Check the live timetable before leaving Saltburn because times and frequencies can change.
Can dogs walk from Saltburn to Staithes?
Dogs can join the route, but must remain under close control around livestock and exposed cliff edges. Follow local signs and use a lead at Hunt Cliff when requested by the National Park.
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