Get Lost Mountaineering

North Landing to Filey

Start/Finish

For those without two cars this is probably the best option: Park at Filey Railway Station, YO14 9PE, – much cheaper than other nearby car parks. Walk away from the station to the roundabout then go right to where the bus station bus stops are with toilets adjacent. A large Tesco is close by. Catch the bus to Bridlington then catch the bus to North Landing. Check the bus times in advance as some buses arrive in Bridlington at exactly the same time as the North Landing bus departs meaning there is a good chance of missing the second bus which could mean an hour's wait. Fortunately, the two bus routes overlap near the bus station so get off the first bus at the stop immediately after a Tesco Metro which is just after the bus goes under a railway bridge in Bridlington. Cross over and wait at the bus stop for the North Landing bus coming in the opposite direction. Normally, there is a 6 minute gap at this point between the buses. There is a cafe and toilets at North Landing as well as plenty of parking for those with the luxury of two cars.

Distance/Time

15 km (extra 1 km if using bus).    About 5 - 6 hours excluding travel.

Peaks

No peaks as this is essentially an edge walk but there are several “ups and downs”.

OS Landranger 101: Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey

OS Explorer 301,1:25 000, Scarborough, Bridlington & Flamborough Head)

Introduction

The North Yorkshire Coast is dramatic with many cliffs and rocky beaches and part of this walk is very scenic indeed. Unfortunately, the coastline is eroding rather quickly as the exposed rock is very soft and crumbly. Most of the route follows a path known as the Headland Way and goes along the cliff tops where care must be taken to keep away from the edge and especially with children and dogs as quite a few paths lead over the edge. The area around Bempton Cliffs is very popular with bird watchers and there are several viewing platforms. After the last platform, views of the cliffs are hard to find and there is a rough, overgrown section followed by steep awkward steps down to the beach then a 6 km walk along the beach which may not be possible at high tide so check tide times beforehand.

Route

(1) From North Landing, follow the the path on the seaward side of the toilet block car park. Immediately, there are outstanding views of North Landing beach and bay. Follow the path and soon descend into a steep gully then up the other side. Continue towards some bungalows, above Thornwick Bay where the rocks have formed an arch, then follow the path around the end of another gully and back towards the sea. Continue on the path and reach the North Cliff area. Continue to reach the Bempton Cliffs area where there are likely to be lots of bird watchers and there are several viewing platforms. These cliffs claim to be the tallest vertical cliffs in England as will easily be seen from the viewing platforms. Continue to the last viewing platform at Bartlett Nab. Continue on the obvious path which is now mainly grassy and gradually gains height. Buckton Cliffs are now below you but rarely seen from the path. Eventually, reach a white trig point at the end of Buckton Cliffs.

(2) Continue on the path which should now be descending gently. Filey Bay should now be visible. Further on, the path is signed to the right, towards the sea, and gradually becomes rougher and overgrown especially when it contours above Speeton Cliffs. The path reaches a sign post. Continue ahead and soon the path goes right again down steeply in places with steps which are not that pleasant. The descent path meanders considerably before almost disappearing just above the beach owing to landslips and erosion but it isn't too difficult to descend the last few metres to the beach which may be flooded at high tide. Turn north along the beach. At low tide, the sand is mainly firm and easy to walk over. It is still about 6 km to Filey Promenade. There are plenty of rocks around for those who need a sit down. Pass some minor concrete roads coming down to the beach and a row of houses perilously close to the cliff edge. When Filey is finally reached, go up the first ramp onto the Promenade and walk along, passing a large paddling pool. When the triple cross, next to a wire sculpture of a seal, is reached, leave the promenade and head up the road, Cargate Hill. Follow this road back to the roundabout close to the station.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 13th June, 2024.