Coast is partnering with the Ramblers each month to promote coastal walking. In this month’s column, JAMES MacCOLL, head of policy, advocacy and campaigns, hails the new King Charles III England Coast Path… but says there is work still to be done.
When the Kings Charles III England Coast Path opens later this year, it will be the culmination of years of hard work. From campaigning to gain access to coastal areas, which led to the 2009 announcement that an England coast path would be created, to the hours of walking, mapping and surveying each stretch of the path, the Ramblers has been working tirelessly with Natural England to make the path a reality.
The coast path is a fantastic reason to celebrate but the work won’t stop there. The Ramblers’ research shows that despite the majority of England being green land, millions of people still don’t have easy access to green paths near to home, especially those living in urban areas.
Having successfully campaigned for better coastal access and the creation of an England coast path, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that still stand in the way of everyone enjoying the outdoors.
Our new Outdoors Unlocked campaign calls on the UK Government to make walking easier for all to enjoy, by creating access to nature close to home, improving the path network and making sure this access if protected for generations to come. We want everyone to have wonderful long walks like this Whitby coastal route on their doorsteps.
It’s easy to think everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. But look a little deeper and you’ll find lots of barriers standing in the way. In some cases, there is simply nowhere to walk nearby – 21 million of us don’t have accessible green or blue space within a 15-minute walk of our home.
There are also physical and social barriers – from unnecessary stiles and gates that can make some routes inaccessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility, to a lack of signs, waymarking and information to help people find their way.
In the run-up to the July 2024 General Election, we’re calling on all political parties to commit to a transformational new Access to Nature Bill. Imagine the possibilities if the next government opened up the outdoors for all!
By campaigning the way we do, one of our aims is to allow people to enjoy stunning coastal routes such as this one from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay:
In summer, Whitby’s bustling harbour and streets offer plenty of places to pick up some tasty treats ahead of this 16.7-mile coastal hike. From the bus station in Whitby, walk down towards the river, cross the bridge and take the second road on the left.
Walk up the famous ‘199 steps’ leading towards Whitby Abbey. The climb ends in splendid views over the harbour and the remains of the Abbey on the cliff are a dramatic sight.
Follow the road past the abbey and turn left to join the Cleveland Way leading to Robin Hood’s Bay.
The path leads you along the high cliff-top to a caravan park above Saltwick Bay and Nab. Saltwick is one of several areas on this striking Yorkshire coastline that were transformed by shale quarrying for alum production, a traditional method for fixing dye.
Stay on the higher ground where you can enjoy wide views across the North Sea before passing the ‘old fog horn’ and the historic lighthouse. Seals, whales and seabirds all fish in these waters, so for a chance to see the local marine life, scan the water as you walk.
Continue on round Ness Point to see the stunning views of Robin Hood’s Bay and the distant Ravenscar headland. For a couple of hours either side of low tide, you can walk along the beach from here to Stoupe Beck, where many fossils are to be found.
When the tide doesn’t allow, climb the steps behind the Old Coastguard Station, bear left down some other steps, then right up more steps on to the cliff path. Descend and climb back up again to cross the becks at Boggle Hole and Stoupe Beck. Then, it’s a steady climb all the way up to Ravenscar – which is known as the town that never was, as the roads planned to link this to the wider area were never built.
At Hayburn Wyke, where you’ll need to cross a steep valley to discover a waterfall above the beach, surrounded by a peaceful woodland where you can pause to rest and recharge before the final stretch.
On reaching Cloughton Wyke, head to Cloughton village where the bus stop offers services back to Whitby. tinyurl.com/mr3wjxma
THREE MORE TO TRY…
Fancy something closer to home? If you’re newer to navigating and want to work up to a challenge, an island route is a great option to get started with! Check out our three alternative routes.
Stumble Head, Pembrokeshire
A lovely coastal walk along rugged clifftop from Strumble Head to Trefin via the pretty Abercastle village. This walk offers dramatic views and local wildlife. tinyurl.com/63sy46ek
River Otter, Devon
A leisurely stroll along the bank of the river Otter, a steep climb up onto Mutters Moor then back down to the coast path to Budleigh Salterton. Finishing with another stroll back up along the Otter. tinyurl.com/ycym6mch
Aberlady Bay, East Lothian
This walk between Gullane and Aberlady takes in one of the finest stretches of coast in Scotland, heading to Gullane Point and then to the wildlife-rich Aberlady Local Nature Reserve. tinyurl.com/2k7vwp8p
HELP THE RAMBLERS TO UNLOCK THE OUTDOORS
Sign the pledge – Show your support for Outdoors Unlocked by signing the online pledge here: action.ramblers.org.uk/outdoors-unlocked
Support us – as a charity, we rely on donations to fund our vital work to unlock the outdoors, you can join as a member or make a one-off donation here: ramblers.org.uk/support-us
