For walkers
Photo: Cleveland Way National Trail: Credit Ceri Oakes/NYMNP
Sealark Cottage is an ideal location for people who enjoy walking. There are walks directly from the cottage so that you don't even need to get into your car. The location is ideal for people who enjoy an easy gentle stroll or those who enjoy longer walks. There are options of coastal walks or inland walks and historical routes, and for anyone who enjoys getting out into the countryside. The North York Moors National Park area is an area of contrasting landscapes - meandering streams, forests, cliff top views, deep cut dales, moorland heather and quirky villages. On each walk you can explore and discover a different landscape.
The Cleveland Way National Trail, one of England's original National Trails is a 109 mile trail which runs through the North York Moors National Park and along the North Yorkshire coastline.
A 10 minute walk from Sealark Cottage takes you onto the National Trail at Port Mulgrave where there are magical and stunning far reaching coastal views. From here, you can walk along the coastal path with Staithes in one direction or Runswick Bay in the other, both picture postcard villages with pretty cottages, and winding streets. At low tide you can explore the beach at Runswick Bay. At Staithes you can wander round the winding cobbled streets with different views around every corner, or explore the art galleries. If you walk up to Cowbar cliff top at Stathes, you are likely to see and hear Skylarks and goldfinch, and the grasslands are home to a variety of plant life. Both Staithes and Runswick Bay have places for refreshments.
You can extend your walk along the Cleveland Way by walking to Sandsend from Runswick Bay, or Saltburn from Staithes. Sealark Cottage is an ideal base for walking parts of the Cleveland Way National Trail if you enjoy more of a challenge.
Although you can easily do a round walk from Sealark Cottage, if you want to venture further afield, there is a bus stop almost opposite the cottage so you can get to Whitby, Runswick Bay, Redcar and Middlesborough Bus timetable
There are maps in Sealark Cottage to help you plan your walks and also a folder giving ideas for walking routes. There is a flask for you to take out on walks and a first aid kit. If you need any walking supplies, there is a Mountain Warehouse in Whitby, Goodricks Outdoors in Whitby and a Trespass in Scarborough.
There is a washing machine/tumble dryer in the cottage and also a drying rack and heated drying rack - ideal for drying wet clothes after a day out exploring or walking.
The nearest pub, the Badger Hounds is only a couple of minutes walk away, so if you don't fancy cooking after a long day walking, then you can book here for a meal.
The North York Moors National Park has a selection of walking routes which can be downloaded North York Moors National Park Walking routes
The North York Moors National Park also run a series of guided walks for a small cost. Booking in advance essential. Some of the walks accept dogs North York Moors National Park guided walks
The National Trust has a couple of coastal walks in North Yorkshire National Trust Coastal Walks
Scaling Dam reservoir is an easy 4.6 km walk - Borrow the binoculars from Sealark Cottage if you enjoy bird watching because the dam is home to many different birds.. Scaling Dam is just a 10 minute drive from Sealark Cottage. Scaling Dam walk
In spring, we enjoy visiting Farndale for a short linear 3mile walk at Farndale along the river Dove. From mid March to mid April (usually), there are thousands of wild daffodils forming a sea of yellow - a truly spectacular vision. Please see our blog Farndale Daffodil Walk and walking guide in the cottage for more information.
For an easy walk, especially in the spring, we enjoy a walk in Mulgrave woods in the picturesque village of Sandsend. The deciduous woods are part of the Mulgrave Estate and they are open from dawn to dusk every Saturday and Sunday and Wednesdays, except for the month of May when they are closed all month. In spring the woods are full of primroses. After about 50 minutes walking, you come to the remains of the old ruined Norman castle which you can explore and picnic in the grounds. Mulgrave Woods Walk
There is a lovely walk from Glaisdale to Egton Bridge, which is about 5 miles. The walk takes you through woodland and Esk valley countryside. This is especially pretty in spring because you walk through bluebell woods. There are some lovely views. On this walk you can incorporate a visit to Beggar's Bridge, an old packhorse bridge straddling the river Esk that is grade 2 listed. There is a lovely romantic tale attached to the bridge. The bridge dates to 1619 and was allegedly built by a poor farmer called Tom Ferris. He would meet his love, Agnes here, but was forbidden from marrying because her father thought he was too poor. Tom decided to go to sea to seek his fortune, he got rich and became the mayor of Hull. However, before he went to sea, he was unable to kiss Agnes goodbye because the river was in flood. When he returned he built the bridge at the point where the flooding stopped him crossing before.
The North York Moors National Park is a very special place and perfect for getting close to nature. It is also a working landscape and home to people and rare wildlife. If you are visiting the North York Moors National Park, please Share With Care Share with Care to help keep you safe, animals safe and protect the special environment.
