On the section between Scalby and Cloughton, the surface has eroded. We are continuing to monitor the situation but please take care when using this route.
The route begins in the fantastic seaside town of Scarborough, which has two swimming beaches and a fantastic ruined castle which offers panoramic views of the coast and moors. The starting point is Safe Ways Park (a children's play area) which is behind Sainsbury's supermarket on Falsgrave Road. From here you go under the road bridge and join the traffic free path which is signed all the way to Whitby. At Hayburn Wyke, a short walk across a field (where an old train station used to be) leads to a secluded bay. Continuing on you pass the beautiful Robin Hood's Bay, a small fishing village with stunning scenery. Just before Whitby you travel over the Larpool Viaduct, high above the River Esk, before heading down into the town centre.
Use the ramp before the end of the path and Bagdale Road to reach the harbour. To get to Whitby Abbey, leave the cycle path at the Cycle Hire Centre at Hawkser and follow Hawkser Lane all the way there.
Useful Information
- Inexperienced cyclists: The route is traffic free apart from on road sections in Scalby, Ravenscar, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby. There is a toucan crossing to get you across the busy A165 at Burniston and the A171 in Hawkser.
- Terrain: There are no hills but there is a steady climb over the summits at Ravenscar and Hawkser. The traffic free path can get muddy in places during bad weather.
- Bike Hire: Trailways
Extending the route
You can continue on Route 1, which connects Dover and the Shetland Islands mainly via the east coast of England and Scotland and also forms the majority of the British section of the North Sea Cycle Route. From Whitby you can continue to Redcar and from Scarborough the route travels to Bridlington.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
Keep up to date with improvements on the Cinder Track
We're working with North Yorkshire Council to improve the quality and accessibility of the Cinder Track. Find out more details here: