Cinder Track Whitby Scarborough - Image 1
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Cinder Track Whitby Scarborough

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

A 21-mile former railway line connecting Scarborough and Whitby, perfect for scenic walks and cycling adventures.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Cinder Track Whitby Scarborough - Image 1

Cinder Track Whitby Scarborough

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 21-mile former railway line connecting Scarborough and Whitby, perfect for scenic walks and cycling adventures.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Cinder Track offers stunning coastal views and a journey through history, ideal for active explorers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy walking shoes or cycling gear are essential for the 21-mile journey.

💧 Pack Plenty of Water

Limited facilities along the route, so stay hydrated, especially on longer treks.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Old Railway Viaducts

The Old Railway Viaducts

Various points along the track

Majestic remnants of the past, these impressive viaducts offer stunning views and a glimpse into the railway's history.

Instagram
Coastal Vistas

Coastal Vistas

Between Burniston and Cloughton

Enjoy breathtaking sea views as the track hugs the North Yorkshire coastline, offering picturesque panoramas.

Instagram
Hayburn Wyke

Hayburn Wyke

Near Ravenscar

A secluded cove with a waterfall, accessible via a short detour from the Cinder Track. A perfect spot for a picnic.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination

The Cinder Track is a 21-mile former railway line connecting Scarborough and Whitby. Plan for a full day if walking or cycling the entire length. Consider public transport or a shuttle for a one-way trip. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities can be sparse between towns. Instagram

Choose Your Adventure: Walk, Cycle, or Run

This disused railway offers a relatively flat and well-maintained path, ideal for various activities. Cyclists can enjoy the smooth surface, while walkers and runners will appreciate the scenic, traffic-free route. Check local weather forecasts, as Yorkshire coast weather can change rapidly. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Longer daylight hours
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Popular for local activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Enjoy the signallers view as BR Standard 4MT No. 80136 eases the North Yorkshire Pullman “Moorlander” service out of Grosmont Station. #trains #nymr #heritagerailway #northyorkshirepullman #steamtrain #brstandard4mt
@nymrailway
48K likes • 1.9M views

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy walking shoes or cycling gear are essential for the 21-mile journey. Instagram+1

💧 Pack Plenty of Water

Limited facilities along the route, so stay hydrated, especially on longer treks. Instagram

This is the @Ryedale Folk Museum - a hidden gem in the North York Moors National Park. Postcode: YO62 6UA Car park: Park at the Crown Inn pub next door, £3 for the day (their machine is cash only!) Price: adults £10.50, kids £9, under 4s free. Tickets allow unlimited entry for one year. Check the Rydedale Folk Museum website for opening times as they change depending on the time of year. Access:...
@yorkshirefi
32.5K likes • 423.8K views
The Cinder Track🛤️ Take our Scarborough Route right through to Whitby via the Cinder Track🚴‍♂️ @reizkultur takes on this wonderful route🤩 #routeyc #yorkshire #explore #travel #traveltiktok #adventure #yorkshirecoast #cycling #yorkshiresultimateroadtrip
routeyc
79 likes • 1.8K views

🍎 Bring Snacks & Picnic

Fuel your adventure with treats! Perfect for enjoying scenic stops. Instagram+1

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be patchy; ensure you have your route planned. Instagram

🌳 The Cinder Track - Whitby 🌳 @thecindertrackhideaway with all this to explore on your doorstep and this is only the start - the now disused railway route between Whitby and Scarborough is a 21mile stretch of pathways perfect for walking, cycling, running 🚶🏼🚶🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏼‍♂️ #whitby #northyorkshirecoast #whitbyuk #northyorkshire #whitbyabbey #whitbyharbour #yorkshirecoast #yorkshirecoast ...
thecindertrackhideaway
7 likes • 112 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy walking shoes or cycling gear are essential for the 21-mile journey. Instagram+1

💧 Pack Plenty of Water

Limited facilities along the route, so stay hydrated, especially on longer treks. Instagram

🍎 Bring Snacks & Picnic

Fuel your adventure with treats! Perfect for enjoying scenic stops. Instagram+1

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be patchy; ensure you have your route planned. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The scenery is stunning; don't forget your camera or phone! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Cinder Track for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and suitability for various outdoor activities. The well-maintained path and stunning coastal views are frequently highlighted. Some find the lack of amenities and the length of the full route challenging, but most agree it's a worthwhile adventure. Instagram+2

What People Like

Beautiful coastal scenery
Historical railway route
Traffic-free path

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Long distance for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can start your journey directly from Scarborough. The track begins on the outskirts of town, easily accessible by local buses or a short taxi ride. Many cyclists begin their ride from Scarborough. Instagram+1

Similarly, Whitby is the other end of the Cinder Track. Access points are available from the town, allowing you to start your walk or cycle from here. Instagram+1

While the track itself is a former railway line, there are no direct public transport services on the track. However, buses run between Scarborough and Whitby, which can be used for one-way trips. TikTok

Parking is available in both Scarborough and Whitby. Some smaller villages along the route may offer limited parking, but it's best to plan your access points in advance. TikTok

For a day trip, consider cycling one way and taking a bus back, or vice versa. Alternatively, walk a section and return, or use a taxi service for shorter segments. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Cinder Track is a public footpath and cycleway, so there are no admission fees or tickets required to use it. It's free to explore! Instagram

As an outdoor public path, the Cinder Track is accessible at all times. However, it's advisable to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

The Cinder Track is generally well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for many wheelchairs and mobility scooters. However, some sections might have uneven surfaces. Instagram

Yes, dogs are welcome on the Cinder Track, but they must be kept on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or near the coast. Instagram

Yes, you'll find remnants of the old railway line, including old signal posts and information boards detailing the history of the Scarborough & Whitby Railway. Instagram+1

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The surface is primarily compacted gravel and cinder, making it ideal for cycling and walking. It's generally smooth but can be a bit uneven in places. Instagram

Walking the full 21 miles can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. Many people break it into sections. Instagram+1

Cycling the 21 miles can take around 2-4 hours, depending on your speed and any stops. Some cyclists complete a round trip of 40 miles. Instagram+1

There are limited facilities directly on the track. You'll find villages like Ravenscar and Cloughton with pubs or cafes. Whitby and Scarborough offer extensive options. Instagram+1

Expect a mix of coastal views, rolling countryside, and remnants of the old railway line. You'll pass through charming villages and enjoy expansive North Yorkshire landscapes. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Directly on the track, options are scarce. However, villages like Ravenscar and Cloughton have pubs. Whitby and Scarborough offer a wide array of dining choices. Instagram+1

Ravenscar has a cafe and a pub, offering places to rest and refuel. It's a popular stop for those walking or cycling the Cinder Track. Instagram

Whitby is famous for its fish and chips, but also offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants serving local produce. TikTok

Scarborough boasts numerous cafes, restaurants, and traditional seaside eateries, including plenty of fish and chip shops. Instagram

Yes, it's highly recommended to pack snacks and a picnic, as facilities are spread out. This allows you to enjoy meals with a view. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Look out for the old railway viaducts, panoramic coastal views, charming villages, and the unique landscapes of the North York Moors. Instagram+1

The coastal sections offer beautiful light for sunrise and sunset. The open nature of the track allows for wide-angle shots of the sky and sea. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides the best light for photography, highlighting the textures and colours of the landscape. Instagram

The viaducts, Hayburn Wyke, and the coastal stretches near Ravenscar are particularly photogenic. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of distant coastlines or wildlife. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cinder Track is a great option for families looking for an active day out. The relatively flat and traffic-free nature of the path makes it safe for children to walk or cycle. Consider cycling shorter sections, perhaps from Scarborough towards Cloughton, or from Whitby towards the coast. Instagram

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are spread out. Stopping at villages like Ravenscar can provide a welcome break. The historical remnants of the railway line can also spark children's imaginations. Remember to check the weather and dress children appropriately for the conditions. Instagram

🚴‍♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts

The Cinder Track offers a rewarding cycling experience for enthusiasts. Its 21-mile length and varied terrain, from smooth gravel to occasional cobbles, provide a good challenge. Many cyclists enjoy the freedom of exploring the North Yorkshire coast without the worry of traffic. Instagram+2

Consider a one-way trip using public transport to maximize your cycling time. For those seeking a longer ride, the full 40-mile round trip is achievable for fit cyclists. The route is also a great base for exploring off-track gravel routes into the North York Moors. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

For walkers, the Cinder Track presents a beautiful way to experience the Yorkshire coastline. You can choose to walk the entire length, or opt for shorter, more manageable sections. The path offers stunning sea views and passes through picturesque countryside. Instagram+1

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry essentials like water and snacks. The route is well-signposted, but having an offline map can be helpful. Consider incorporating a visit to Hayburn Wyke for a scenic detour. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Scarborough & Whitby Railway

The Cinder Track follows the route of the former Scarborough & Whitby Railway, which opened in 1885. This single-track line was a significant engineering feat, crossing challenging terrain and featuring impressive viaducts and tunnels. It served both passengers and freight, connecting the coastal towns and the inland communities. Instagram

However, like many rural railways, it struggled with declining passenger numbers and increasing competition from road transport. The line was eventually closed to passengers in 1953 and fully closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts. The tracks were lifted, leaving behind the embankment and structures that now form the Cinder Track. Instagram

Today, the Cinder Track is a testament to this lost railway heritage. Its transformation into a recreational path allows visitors to explore the landscape and imagine the steam trains that once traversed this route. Information boards along the way often detail the history of specific stations and engineering marvels. Instagram

Cycling the Cinder Track: Tips for a Smooth Ride

The Cinder Track is a popular choice for cyclists, offering a relatively flat and traffic-free experience for 21 miles between Scarborough and Whitby. The surface is primarily compacted gravel and cinder, which is generally smooth and suitable for most types of bicycles, including road bikes with slightly wider tires, hybrids, and gravel bikes. Instagram+1

Many cyclists opt for a one-way journey, utilizing the bus services that connect Scarborough and Whitby to avoid a strenuous round trip. If you're planning a full 40-mile round trip, ensure you have adequate fitness and plenty of supplies. Consider starting early to make the most of daylight and cooler temperatures. Instagram+1

Cyclists often praise the varied scenery, from coastal panoramas to inland countryside. Some sections offer more challenging gravel or even cobbles, adding an element of adventure. Remember to check your tire pressure and brakes before setting off, and be mindful of other users on the track. Instagram

Walking the Cinder Track: A Scenic Stroll

For walkers, the Cinder Track provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the North Yorkshire coast at a leisurely pace. The 21-mile route can be tackled in its entirety for a challenging day hike, or broken down into shorter segments. Popular sections include the stretch from Scarborough towards Ravenscar, or from Whitby towards the coast. Instagram+1

The path is generally well-defined and easy to follow, making it suitable for all fitness levels. The relatively flat terrain means you can focus on enjoying the views rather than strenuous climbs. Many walkers choose to incorporate detours to nearby attractions like Hayburn Wyke for a more varied experience. Instagram

When planning your walk, remember that amenities are limited. Carrying sufficient water, snacks, and appropriate footwear is crucial. The changing coastal weather means it's wise to be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even on a summer's day. Instagram

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