Walk this way... Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Coast online 03.07.2008

Head to the North Yorkshire coast for this circular walk, taking in fossil-rich cliffs, purple heather moorland and cosy smugglers' pubs

From the car parks above the old village, head down the hill into Robin Hood's Bay, to the slipway and the end of the road. Take the steps to the right up Covet Hill to the promenade, then climb more steps to reach the clifftop path. Follow this past Mill Beck (or Boggle Hole) and Stoupe Beck. Here, once you've crossed the stream, the track joins a road by Stoupe Bank Farm. This leads past Stoupebrow Cottage Farm, just beyond which you take a track to the right across two fields. Head left, passing Home Farm, to link with the old railway line. Turn right and walk for two miles to join Middlewood Lane. Turn right, then left along Mark Lane to Farsyde House. A path skirts to the left of the buildings, then heads across fields back to the clifftop path. Retrace your steps to the start.

Why go? This circular walk takes in marine views and moorland, leading you through the snaking streets and smugglers' haunts of Robin Hood's Bay, then on to the clifftops to admire the North Yorkshire coast. As you head back over the disused railway line, you'll see the heather moors in all their purple, high-summer finery, before returning to the village to explore the fishermen's pubs, fossil-rich cliffs and rockpools.

How long will it take? No more than two-and-a-half to three hours to cover the five-mile route. For guided walks in the area, contact Mark Reid, author of The Inn Way guidebooks, including 'The Inn Way... to the North York Moors' (www.innway.co.uk, teamwalking.co.uk).

Stamina required? It's mostly easygoing, although there are some steep climbs. On the cliff path, keep a close eye on children and dogs.

Refuelling options Stop for a pint at the Laurel Inn in Robin Hood's Bay - a cosy smugglers' pub, with real ale (01947 880400).

What else can I see? The beach at Robin Hood's Bay is renowned for fossils. But, as the tide can be treacherous, it's best to join a Fossil Walk, run during the summer by the North East Yorkshire Geology Trust. Call 01947 881000 or email contact@neyorksgeologytrust.com.

Wildlife highlights Look out for a variety of sea and moorland birds en route. You may spot curlews and skylarks if you're lucky.

And for kids? Find out more about the village's maritime and smuggling past at the Robin Hood's Bay and Fylingdales Museum, housed in the old mortuary (admission 50p for adults, 10p for children, open daily except Saturdays; contact the TIC below for more info).

Getting there Take the train (www.nationalrail.co.uk) to Whitby or Scarborough, then the X56 bus to Robin Hood's Bay (www.arrivabus.co.uk).

Where to stay Built for a sea captain in 1897, the Lee-Side is a four-star, characterful guesthouse, offering three letting rooms with sea views (01947 881143, www.lee-side.rhbay.co.uk). Double B&B from £62.

Whitby/Scarborough TIC 01723 383636, www.yorkshiremoorsandcoast.com.

OS maps Landranger Map 94: Whitby & Esk Dale; Explorer Map OL27: North York Moors. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.