2 circular walks of varying lengths from Staithes, to either Port Mulgrave or Runswick Bay
Staithes is a picturesque coastal village located on the North Yorkshire coast of England, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich maritime history. It’s my favourite village on the Yorkshire Coast.
Nestled in a dramatic cleft in the cliffs, Staithes is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, with its cobbled streets, traditional fishermen’s cottages, and scenic harbour. Once a thriving fishing port, the village now attracts tourists seeking a tranquil escape into bygone years, whether for scenic walks along the coast, exploration of the village’s history, or simply enjoying the quaint charm of its narrow lanes and historic buildings.
With its breathtaking views of the North Sea, Staithes offers the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. The village is a popular base for walking along the Cleveland Way, a scenic trail that stretches along the coast, providing panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.
This blog post features 2 excellent walks of different lengths that start from Staithes and take you south along the Cleveland Way, to either Port Mulgrave (and back) or further aloing the coast to Runswick Bay (and back). It all depends on how much time you have really – but if you can stretch the walk to Runswick Bay – you won’t be dissapointed!
Walk #1 Map: Staithes circular walk to Port Mulgrave
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| This walk starts from Staithes Car Park at the top of the bank and heads in a clockwise direction. Firstly you go down into Staithes itself by the sea – then a 10 minute little detour to get to what I think is the best view of Staithes from up Cowbar Bank. You then go back through the village and up onto the Cleveland Way along the cliff tops to Port Mulgrave. You return on an inland route via Hinderwell and a nice woodland walk. The walk can be extended all the way to Runswick Bay and you’ll find more details about that further down the page. |
WALK #1 OVERVIEW:
DISTANCE: 4.85 miles
TIME: 2 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 787ft
DIFFICULTY: EASY
Walk #2: Extend your Staithes circular walk to Runswick Bay!
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| If you have time you may wish to extend it from Port Mulgrave along the coastal path all the way to Runswick Bay to an excellent high viewpoint of Runswick Bay. You’ll then come back via Hinderwell and onto the woodland walk as in Walk #1 above. This route is 7.14 miles and will take about 3.5 hours. |
WALK #2 OVERVIEW:
DISTANCE: 7.14 miles
TIME: 3.5 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 880ft
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
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I've tried a few map apps on my phone and settled on OS Maps, to access detailed UK Mapping. You can plan, save and download mapo routes, such as those on this site, direct to your phone, and then see where you are exactly on any route even when you have no signal - so you can't get lost! It's helped me discover loads of new walking routes too and you can get a free 2 week trial via the button below.
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| This is one of the best walks you can do on the North-East coast in my humble opinion – if you haven’t done it – I hope this post makes you want to give a go |
Photos of what to expect on this Staithes walk:
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On any visit to Staithes you should pay a visit to this view point and this walk route includes a little 10 min detour over the little bridge in this pic and up Cowbar Lane to this superb vantage point that many people don’t know about. It’s a pretty steep bank but well worth it. After soaking up the views it’s back down the bank and over the bridge into Staithes once again.
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Walking through the quaint old streets of Staithes
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On this particular walk we stop in the Royal Oak pub to grab a takeout coffee to fuel us up for the hike ahead. The Cod & Lobster nearby is also a good place for a drink & food.
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We head out of the main village and get ourselves on the Cleveland Way
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You soon get another stunning view of Staithes from the surrounding cliff tops.
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| Onwards and along the Cleveland Way which tracks the cliff edges – be careful with dogs and kids up here! |
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| The cliffs are pretty rugged, steep and imposing! The next bay is Port Mulgrave and after that it’s Runswick Bay! |
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| Looking back at where we have just came from in a fairly short space of time |
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| There are plenty of impressive views up here to admire and this bench is a welcome pit stop |
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This is Port Mulgrave – not as big as you would expect! This viewpoint is actually from Lingrow Howe and the particular map route above doesn’t come this far but I thought you’d like to see what Port Mulgrave actually looks like! Port Mulgrave is the point where this route leaves the Cleveland Way to head back to Staithes. (You can continue onto Runswick Bay along the coast – but the photos below now show the route back to Staithes)
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| After leaving Port Mulgrave it’s little bit of roadside walking towards the village of Hinderwell and then further inland for 5 mins through some farm fields |
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| You then enter the woods at Cliff Hill where the path follows Dale Beck. There are multiple paths in the woodland – so a phone Map App that shows exactly where you are is helpful here in making the right turns (I’m currently using OS Maps) |
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| After walking the cliff tops with the bracing fresh air – the woodland walk is a nice leisurely way to get back to Staithes |
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| The days where short when we done this walk (January) so the sun is setting at the end and it’s back to Staithes for a well-earned drink in a cosy pub |
ONTO RUNSWICK BAY
After Port Mulgrave – you could have continued onto Runswick Bay – which is a delightful old fishing village in itself – and definiteky worth an explore!
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| The view of Runswick Bay at Cliffemount Hotel where you can grab a bite to eat and a drink before you begin your return to Staithes! |
In SUMMARY!
Staithes video – filmed from above by drone:On a recent visit to Staithes I took my drone and filmed from even above – you can see my recordings below on the 2min video I uploaded to YouTube: |
What is Staithes famous for?
Staithes is famous for its rich maritime heritage, charming cobbled streets, and picturesque fishing cottages nestled along the rugged North Yorkshire coastline. Once a bustling fishing village, Staithes is also renowned for its association with Captain James Cook, who began his career here as a grocer’s apprentice. Today, it is a popular destination for artists, photographers, and walkers, drawn to its scenic beauty and vibrant community.
Can you walk to the beach in Staithes?
Yes, you can easily walk to the beach in Staithes. The village has a small, sheltered beach located near the harbor, ideal for exploring rock pools, collecting sea glass, and enjoying the coastal scenery. The path down to the beach leads through the village’s narrow lanes, adding to the charm of the experience.
Where is Staithes located?
Staithes is located on the North Yorkshire coast in England, within the North York Moors National Park. It sits approximately 10 miles north of Whitby and 20 miles south of Middlesbrough. The village is perched on steep cliffs and offers stunning views of the North Sea, making it a popular stop on the Cleveland Way walking trail.
Is Staithes a good place to visit?
Absolutely! Staithes is a fantastic place to visit for those seeking coastal charm, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the historic village, visit the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre, enjoy local art galleries, or walk scenic trails along the cliffs. It’s an excellent destination for families, hikers, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.
Where do you park when visiting Staithes?
When visiting Staithes, parking is available at the Staithes Bank Top car park, located at the top of the hill before entering the village. From there, visitors can walk down to the village center, as vehicle access is restricted in the lower part of Staithes. The car park offers plenty of spaces and stunning views of the village and coastline.
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