The Cinder Track: Scarborough to Whitby by Bike

The Cinder Track is a scenic cycling route in the North York Moors which follows a disused railway between the seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby. Built in 1885, the railway line transported freight and passengers up and down the North Yorkshire coast until its closure in 1965.

Scarborough Borough Council bought the line shortly after it closed and have since converted it into a walking and cycling trail. It hugs the coastline for a lot of the way, meaning you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the North Sea and the Yorkshire coast for the majority of your ride. The trail is well maintained and very easy to navigate.

The distance from Scarborough to Whitby along the Cinder Track is 21.7 miles, so it’s completely feasible for experienced cyclists to ride there and back in a day. Novice cyclists or families with children may choose to ride a shorter section of the Cinder Track (Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, for example).

Cinder Track logistics

Start: Scarborough.

Finish: Whitby.

How to get there: The Cinder Track begins in Scarborough at the Sainsbury’s car park off Falsgrave Road.

Distance: 21.7 miles.

Time: 3 hours (one way).

Difficulty: Easy; simple to navigate with mostly flat topography.

Map: Grab a PDF map here.

Cinder Track route and highlights

Scarborough to Hayburn Wyke

The 21.7-mile Cinder Track from Scarborough to Whitby begins behind the Sainsbury’s off Falsgrave Road. As you set off, you’ll pass under several bridges and pedal along the west side of Peasholm Park. Navigation is easy, as the Cinder Track is signposted all the way to Whitby.

After about 2 miles, you’ll need to cross Newby Farm Road and continue along the old railway line. At the end, turn right onto Station Road and take the first left onto Field Close Road, before turning right onto Lancaster Way. At the end of this road, you’ll re-join the Cinder Track.

After a while, you’ll come to another road, the A165 Coastal Road. Turn left onto this road for a very short distance, then take a right turn back onto the trail. At the next road, cycle past Cloughton Station, then take a right and a left back onto the trail.

Hayburn Wyke to Ravenscar

About 7 miles into your ride, you’ll pass the old Hayburn Wyke station, where you’ll have the opportunity to grab a drink at the Hayburn Wyke Inn, an 18th-century country pub. If time allows, I recommend taking a walk down to the Wyke itself; it’s a stunning cove boasting a double waterfall straight onto the beach.

After Hayburn Wyke comes the steady climb to Ravenscar.

On reaching Ravenscar, you’ll reach a road which bends to the right – follow this. You should come to a junction where you’ll find the Ravenscar Tearooms. These tearooms are lovely, so why not stop for coffee and cake?

Then, turn left at the tearooms and follow the road until you reach the trail again.

Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay

The section of the Cinder Track from Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay was by far my favourite. You’ll pedal along heather-clad hillsides with magnificent views across Robin Hood’s Bay, before entering peaceful woodland.

On reaching Robin Hood’s Bay, you’ll come out from the Cinder Track onto Thorpe Lane. You’ll want to turn right here and follow the road down to a junction. Go left down Station Road, and follow the bend round to Mount Pleasant N, which is just behind the Grosvenor Hotel. As you come to the end of Mount Pleasant N, you should see a left turn back up onto the Cinder Track.

Robin Hood’s Bay is beautiful. The views across the bay you will have seen on exiting Ravenscar showcase it best, but I also recommend detouring down to the beach if time allows.

Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby

You’re now in the final leg of the Cinder Track and coming up to Whitby! As you leave Robin Hood’s Bay, you’ll skirt the coastline and be treated to stunning views of the sea. You’ll also pass by Bay Ness Farm, where you’ll see lots of grazing sheep – including lambs in the springtime!

As you pass Hawkser, you’ll need to cross the A171, but then you’ll be following the traffic-free trail for the rest of the way.

The trail will take you through Larpool Woods and over the Larpool Viaduct, which crosses the River Esk. The viaduct offers fabulous views of the river and across to Whitby Abbey.

Once you make it to Whitby, why not reward yourself with some chips by the seafront?

Whitby is an interesting town so you might want to spend some time exploring. A stroll through the heart of Whitby will treat you to ornate cobbled paths, locally-owned shops and quirky cafes, as well as scenic seaside views.

On the east side of Whitby, you’ll find the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey which was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for “Dracula.” On the west side of town is West Cliff Beach, a beautiful strip of sand lined with beach huts.

Whitby is also known for its connection to the famous explorer Captain James Cook. He is immortalised in a monument on West Cliff, and the house where he once lived can be visited as the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

Where to hire bikes

Perhaps you’ve got your own bike, but if not, you can hire one from Bayhire. They’re conveniently located just 300 metres from The Cinder Track at Scarborough.

Alternatively, if you’re doing this route in the opposite direction – Whitby to Scarborough – you can hire a bicycle from Trailways. Unfortunately, they’re located 2 miles south of Whitby in Hawkser, but you’ll still be able to ride most of the way to Scarborough from here.

Happy cycling,
Lauren

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