The best walks and hikes around Scarborough

Yes, the area offers several shorter, easier walks perfect for families. For a gentle woodland experience, consider the May Beck and Falling Foss loop. It's a relatively short trail of about 3 miles (5 km) that leads to a lovely waterfall, making it an engaging walk for all ages.

The North York Moors near Scarborough are home to some beautiful waterfalls. A popular choice is the Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole loop. This route takes you through woodland to the impressive Mallyan Spout waterfall, which is a highly-regarded local sight.

Many trails in the region are great for walking with dogs, especially through the woodlands and along coastal paths. However, always be mindful of livestock in fields and cliff edges on coastal routes. It's recommended to keep dogs on a lead in sensitive areas and during bird nesting season in the North York Moors.

The coastline features dramatic cliff-top paths, sandy bays, and historic fishing villages. A great example is the Robin Hood's Bay coast path loop, which offers stunning views of the North Sea and explores one of the area's most picturesque villages. Be prepared for some ascents and descents along the cliffs.

For a peaceful walk through the woods, the Hayburn Wyke and Rodger Trod loop is an excellent choice. This trail combines shaded woodland paths with a secluded cove and waterfall, offering a varied and scenic experience away from the more exposed coastal routes.

Yes, you can combine hiking with a unique travel experience. The Goathland & Grosmont loop follows the heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You can hike one way and take a scenic steam train ride back, offering a memorable way to experience the landscape.

For those seeking a challenge, longer coastal treks provide significant elevation gain and varied terrain. The Whitby & Robin Hoods Bay loop is a difficult-rated hike of around 14 miles (22.8 km) that involves steep climbs and descents along the Cleveland Way, rewarding hikers with expansive sea views.

Most of the popular routes in the area are circular, making logistics easy. For a moderately challenging loop with great coastal scenery, consider the Runswick Bay and St Hilda's Church loop from Staithes. It begins and ends in the charming village of Staithes and covers a beautiful section of the coast.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning mix of rugged coastline and the peaceful, atmospheric woodlands of the North York Moors. The well-preserved historic villages like Robin Hood's Bay are also a consistent highlight.

There is a vast network of trails to explore. You can find over 950 hiking routes around Scarborough on komoot, ranging from easy strolls along the beach to challenging multi-day treks across the moors and coastline.

Hiking is possible year-round, but late summer is particularly special when the heather across the North York Moors is in full purple bloom. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking, while winter provides a more dramatic and quiet coastal experience, though you should be prepared for changeable weather.