Whitby Events, Places to Visit & Things to Do

Best Dog Walks in Whitby

If you’re planning a stay with Shoreline Cottages and you’re bringing along your four‑legged friend, you’re in for a treat. The Whitby area and its surroundings offer some of the most varied and scenic dog walks in Yorkshire. From rugged coastline to peaceful woodlands, from gentle riverside strolls to dramatic cliff paths. Here’s a curated guide to the very best dog walks to enjoy during your stay, plus tips to make them go smoothly.

Why Whitby is a Great Base for Dog Walks

Whitby is beautifully placed between the sea and the moorland, meaning you can so easily choose between coastal walks and moorland/woodland routes. Many trails are dog‑friendly (though with seasonal restrictions in some places) and offer a mix of easy, moderate or more challenging options.

Top Dog Walks Around Whitby

Here are some of our favourite walks to recommend for guests staying in and around Whitby. We’ve grouped them by approximate effort/distance and type so you can choose what suits your mood.

Short & Gentle Walks (1–2 miles / easy terrain)

Beck Hole Circular Walk

Distance & difficulty: Around 30 minutes, fairly flat and undemanding.
What to expect: You’ll follow the riverbank, walk through woodland and spot remnants of mine cottages. You may even see the steam train passing in the distance or deer grazing nearby.
Practicalities: Start / end at the Birch Hall Inn. There is a wheelchair‑friendly route from Beck Hole into Esk Valley.
Why it’s great: It’s ideal for a gentle stroll, perhaps as a late afternoon walk after you arrive or a morning reset.

May Beck & Falling Foss

Distance & difficulty: Approximately 2 miles circular, easy terrain.
Highlights: Woodland paths, a stream to paddle in and the charming waterfall of Falling Foss, with a tea garden nearby for a post‑walk treat.
Tips: The path can be damp or muddy after rain, so bring appropriate footwear for both you and a towel for your dog.

2. Medium Coastal & Countryside Walks (3–7 miles)

Whitby ↔ Sandsend (Beach & Clifftop Walk)

Distance: Up to about 4 miles there & back (if you return same way).
Route: Start from Whitby’s West Cliff / beach huts, walk along Upgang Beach and Sandsend beach.
Dog access: The beach is dog‑friendly outside the summer restrictions (generally 1 October to 30 April for full access)
Why this is a highlight: You’ll enjoy sea views, a wide sandy stretch for your dog to run and cafés at the Sandsend end to pause and refresh.

Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay (Cleveland Way / Cliff Path)

Distance: About 6–7 miles one way (10 km+).
Route notes: You’ll climb the 199 steps from the harbour, pass Whitby Abbey, traverse cliff paths and follow the Cleveland Way toward Robin Hood’s Bay.
Terrain & challenge: Some ups and downs, muddy patches in wet weather and a few stream crossings.
Return options: You can either retrace your steps or use the Cinder Track / old railway line or even catch local transport (bus) back if you’re done walking.
Why it’s special: Stunning cliff‑top sea views, the changing coastal scenery and the charm of Robin Hood’s Bay make this a must for more ambitious walkers.

Grosmont to Whitby via Esk Valley

Distance: Around 8 miles (or more, depending on route).
Route: Starts in the village of Grosmont, follows riverside, woods, fields and gradually arrives into Whitby.
Challenges: Some muddy or boggy sections, and parts where you’ll need your dog on a lead (livestock areas).
Return: You could walk back, or use the heritage railway from Grosmont back if you parked there originally.
Why it’s great: This route gives you more variety — woodland, riverside, farmland and then coastal arrival. It’s a less obvious route that often feels peaceful.

3. Longer / Advanced Walks or Coastal Circuits

Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay

Distance & ambition: Around 7 miles or more, depends on whether you return by a different route.
Route: Follow the Cleveland Way north from Whitby towards Runswick Bay.
What you’ll see: Great coastal vistas, wild cliff edges and the charm of Runswick Bay village when you arrive.
Considerations: Be mindful of tides, cliff stability and adequate supplies (water, snacks) especially if doing a return leg on a different path.

Long Circular Option: Whitby → Robin Hood’s Bay → Return Inland

One variant is to take the coastal path south to Robin Hood’s Bay, then return via Cinder Track or inland fields.
This gives you a glimpse of both cliff and countryside scenery along the way.

Tips & Practical Advice for Dog Walking Holidays

Seasonal dog restrictions: Many beaches have dog bans or restrictions in summer months (commonly from late spring to early autumn). Always check signage locally, especially on main beaches.
Lead vs off‑lead: On coastal cliffs or in farmland, keep your dog on a lead to protect livestock and for safety near edges.
Footwear & season: After rain, paths (especially woodland and moorland sections) can get very muddy — wear waterproof footwear and bring a towel.
Water & snacks: Bring water for both you and your dog (streams are often not safe to drink) and small snacks for breaks.
Check tides: On beach walks (like Sandsend or Saltwick Bay), some stretches can become inaccessible close to high tide. Plan your walk with tide tables in mind.
Parking & access: Some walks start from car parks or village parking (e.g. Sandsend, Beck Hole, Grosmont). Be prepared for small parking fees or limited spaces.
Cafés & refreshment stops: Many walks terminate or pass near cafés — in Sandsend, in Robin Hood’s Bay and near Falling Foss Tea Garden.
Maps / navigation: Use OS maps or walking apps. The Cleveland Way is waymarked. For woodland trails like May Beck / Falling Foss, local route maps are often posted or downloadable.
Timing: Set off early for longer walks to avoid fading daylight. For gentle strolls, mid‑afternoon is often lovely.
Weather & wind: The coast can be exposed and winds gusty, especially in spring/fall. Layers are advisable.

Why These Walks Suit Shoreline Holiday Cottage Guests

Variety: From short, gentle walks to full coastal treks, there’s something for all ability levels.
Close to the cottages: Many of these walks can be reached easily by car (or even on foot, if you’re in one of our coastal cottages).
Dog‑friendly amenities: Many of the walks end in cafés or pass through villages where dogs are welcome.
Memorable views & photo ops: Dramatic cliffs, river valleys, woodland glades — ideal for making holiday memories with your pet.
Flexibility: You can mix and match based on weather, daylight and energy.