A LOVELY section of coastline with excellent views combine with a walk along the old railway and a visit to the waterfall and bay of Hayburn Wyke, making for an enjoyable walk.

This version starts at Cloughton, but can be extended by starting at Burniston or Scarborough itself.

The walk starts in Cloughton at the sharp corner of the A171. Take the land downhill towards the coast. The road/lane soon leaves the village and heads through open countryside, crossing the Old Railway before ending at a small area of car parking after half a mile.

The views from here are lovely across the sea, but also south along the cliffs to Hundale Point. Turn north and join the coastal path. Do not expect flat walking, after 400m the path drops sharply through some trees at a river. Climbing equally steeply at the other side before continuing to steadily climb with open fields on your left.

READ: Enjoy a taste of the North York Moors on country walk

It is impossible not to be conscious of the path's proximity to the cliffs, be careful of venturing too close. After a further 300m arrive at the bench and viewpoint of Rodger Trod. The views are again very good. Continue past the view point and continue along the cliff edge for a further one mile. This section has some rough shrubbery guarding the cliff edge. The erosion of the cliffs here are a classic example of a geography in action.

Towards the end of the one mile there are some good views to the bay at Hayburn Wyke. On entering some woodland the path divides. Those not wanting to drop down to the bay turn left towards a gate and open field, those wanting to drop down to the bay take the good but steep path to the right, initially alongside a stream. It is an 80m drop (260 feet) to the bay.

Hayburn Wyke Bay has a large stony beach, not always easy to walk on but a lovely spot to sit, ponder or explore the many rock pools. A waterfall at its foot adds to the attraction. However, the 80m drop now has to be reversed, before heading through a gate on to an open field. Take the lane to the right which within a few metres arrives at the Hayburn Wyke Inn, a pub bursting with character. In winter this old coaching inn does not open Monday/Tuesday, but all day for the remainder of the week. You can imagine how popular it was when the railway was in operation.

GALLERY: Readers' photos from around the region 

A few metres up the road brings us to the old station and the start of the return walk along the Old Railway cinder track. The old railway between Whitby and Scarborough was opened in 1885 to link the coastal towns with Teesside. As a result it handled some industry, acted as a tourist run for Victorian tourists and was of use for locals as a quick means of transport. It was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching Review but is now an excellent and easy bridleway. Turn left at the old station on to the track and walk for one and a half miles. The walk is mainly through woodland, lovely in spring and early summer, but is open enough to see the countryside beyond. The walking here is quick, veer off at Cloughton (signed) and join the outbound lane back to Cloughton.

As mentioned it is possible to add more to this walk, starting at Burniston adds an extra three miles, Scarborough more like eight or nine.

Fact box:

Distance: Roughly 5 miles.

Height to climb: 205m (670 feet).

Start: TA 010948. There is roadside parking on the lane near the sharp corner in Cloughton.

Difficulty: Medium. Some steep sections along the coast, straightforward on the old railway.

Refreshments: Three pubs in Cloughton and the pub at Hayburn Wyke is worth a midway stop.

Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 27) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (essential on this walk). You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk. Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly. Also note the proximity of the path to steep coastal cliffs, do not venture too close.

Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:

• He has published 3 books on walks in the Dales; ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains and the New ‘Walks without Stiles’ book.

• All are available direct from the Where2walk website.

• Book a Navigation Training day in Long Preston, near Settle (Beginners or ‘Mountain Skills’) Dates and further information are available on the website.

Where2walk.co.uk also features 100’s of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.