Walk this way... Cloughton to Scarborough

When the tide goes out, follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs along this stretch of North Yorkshire coast

 
From the bus stop in Cloughton, head down Newlands Lane towards the coast and then turn right onto the Cleveland Way National Trail, which is clearly signposted. Soon after leaving Cloughton Wyke, you pass Hundale, said to be the shortest dale in Yorkshire. A little further on is one of the old coastguard lookout points scattered along this coastline, which is now used as a bird observatory. Stop off at Crook Ness, where there's easy access to the pebbly shore, before following the clifftop path along to the famous seafront at Scarborough.

Why go? This leisurely walk provides great views of Scarborough and its castle, and exciting sights when the tide is out: the shore at Crook Ness reveals fossilised dinosaur footprints in the blocks of sandstone, a sign of what roamed around these parts nearly 200 million years ago.

How long will it take? For the six miles to Scarborough seafront, allow around four hours to take in the views and find the footprints.

Stamina required? It's an easy walk along the clifftop, although there are a few ups and downs between Cloughton and Burniston.

Refuelling options Head for Le Chat Noir in Eastborough, Scarborough (01723 350653, www.lechatnoircreperie.co.uk) - a French café-bistro with a Yorkshire twist. Choose from crusty baguettes made with local ingredients, such as Yorkshire ham and Wensleydale cheese, and authentic crêpes made with organic flour from the moors and local free-range eggs.

What else is there to see? The Rotunda Museum in Scarborough has been returned to its original role as a geology museum. The Dinosaur Coast gallery has a fossil ID station. Open Tues-Sun (01723 353665, www.rotundamuseum.co.uk).

Wildlife highlights The coastal grasslands are home to wild flowers, such as cowslips, wild violets and knapweed. Look out to sea for cormorants, shags, smaller razorbills, guillemots and, early in the year, puffins, as they make their way to and from their breeding cliffs.

And for kids? At the Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary at Scalby Mills, children can learn how to care for injured and abandoned seal pups. Open from 10am daily, closing times vary (01723 373414, www.sealifeeurope.com).

Getting there Scarborough station is on the First Transpennine Express line (www.tpexpress.co.uk). Buses run from outside Scarborough Railway Station to Cloughton on the Arriva 93 service (www.arriva.co.uk) and take around 20 minutes.

Where to stay The Station House at Cloughton is a B&B and tearoom at the now defunct station. Stay in the porter's room, ticket office or self-cater in an old train carriage by the platform (01723 870896, www.cloughtonstation.co.uk).

TIC The Tourism Bureau is open daily from 9am-5pm (01723 383637, www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com). For more details about the Cleveland Way, visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/clevelandway or www.northseatrail.co.uk.

OS maps Explorer Map 301: Scarborough, Bridlington & Flamborough Head; Landranger Map 101: Scarborough, Bridlington & Filey. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online

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