Avoncroft Cottage, Holiday Cottage whitby, whitby holiday cottage, Robin Hoods Bay

1 Short Walk to the Coast

A short circular walk to the coast and back - about 1 hour

Turn right out of Avoncroft and walk down to the footpath on the right just before the bus stop. Follow the track toward Gnipe Howe Farm. Turn right through the gate at the farm, over the hill and then you drop down the other side onto the Cleveland Way. Turn right, and follow the coastal path along until you reach the signpost to Hawsker. Go right up the hill, through the holiday park, and then right along the track until you reach the cycle way. Turn right and follow the bridleway until you get to the bridge. Climb up the right side to reach the path you started on. Turning left takes you back to Avoncroft.

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2 A Walk into Whitby

A stroll along the disused railway line into Whitby - about 1 hour there

Turn right out of Avoncroft and walk to the main A171 road. Turn right, and cross the road at the pelican crossing. Walk along the disused railway track - now part of the Moor-to-Sea cycle way. You pass through the village of Stainsacre, through woodland, coming out at the Larpool Viaduct, with fine views either side of the river Esk, and Whitby itself with the imposing Abbey to the right. Cross the viaduct, pass the school and you are now in the town. You can hop on the bus back home after a nice coffee.

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3 Robin Hood's Bay

A half day walk to Robin Hoods Bay - about 3 hours

Start as Walk 1, but walk past the sign back to Hawsker and continue on to Robin Hoods Bay. The path comes out at some houses near the top of the village. You can now just explore the enchanting village and beach. You can take the cycle way back to Hawsker - it's shorter and flatter, just what you need after that steep climb out of the village. The views are just as spectacular!.

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4 Boggle Hole Extension

A 1 hour circular loop

If you are feeling particularly active, this short loop above the cliffs of RHB to Boggle Hole and back makes a worth-while extension to the above walk. Just before the causeway leading onto the beach, go right following the sign for Cleveland Way. This brings you out at the cliff top above the bay. Walk along until you come to Boggle Hole. Cross the little bridge, and turn right up the road. eventually, take a right fork down a dip in the road, and pick up the disused railway line that will take you back to RHB..

For the less energetic, this little walk can still be enjoyed, as the finish brings you out at the main RHB car park.

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5 Saltwick Bay Beach

Another half day walk to the small secluded beach at Saltwick Bay (good for fossil hunting) - about 3 hours round trip

Start as walk 1, but turn left when you reach the Cleveland Way. Follow the Coastal path along the cliff tops. You should pass the lighthouse and fog horn station and eventually see Black Nab, a strange dark rock sticking out of the sea. A little further on and you should see Saltwick Bay, flanked with the rocky Saltwick Nab. When you come to the entrance of a caravan park, you should see a path on the right which winds it's way down to the beach. Return home the same way.

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6 Falling Foss Waterfall

You can walk from the cottage, but this is an all-dayer. You can drive the 10 minutes to May Beck car park and then take a 1 hour circular walk.

From the car park, follow the path along the side of the river. You will eventually come to the bridge. On the other side, you will see the 30ft Falling Foss Waterfall. Continue along the path until you come to "The Hermitage" - hand dug out of solid rock. Sit in the two "Wishing chairs" also carved on the roof. Take the path down the hill - this will lead to the top of the waterfall. You can then walk back along the path to the car park. This is a great spot for a picnic!

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7 Lilla Cross

Another Walk starting from May Beck car park - a trip back in time passing some of the areas ancient stone "Crosses" - About 3 hours

From the car park, walk up the track opposite the main road a little way before dropping down through a gate on the left into the forest. On reaching a forest road, turn right. At the next junction junction of forest roads bear right. After a while, when the forest clears, turn left up a track leaving the forest for moorland. You will pass York Cross on the right. Further along the track, and a T junction, turn left walk past Foster Howes tumuli, and then Ann's Cross. Carry on to a crossroads, turn right to visit Lilla Cross. Return to the crossroads, and go straight on, with the forest now on your left. At the far corner of the forest, turn left back to the car park.

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8 Goathland and Mallyan Spout Waterfall

A walk for TV's "heartbeat" fans - 1 hour

Opposite the church at the far end of Goathland, go through a kissing gate beside the Mallyan Spout Hotel. Follow the path to a streamisde signpost and turn left. Continue past the 70ft waterfall. In dry weather only a trickle of water may fall, but after rain it can become an impressive torrent. Be aware that the path around here is rocky and slippery, and extreme care must be taken. Continue along the streamside path until eventually you will come to the main road. Turn left and follow back to Goathland, where you can reward yourself with a ice-cream

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9 Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. It is about a 30 minute drive away from Avoncroft, but if you fancy easy trails surrounded by woodland, this is the place to go. There are a number of easy, waymarked walks through beautiful landscapes varying in length and ability. A leaflet is available free from the Visitor Centre which also houses the Treetops Restaurant, an exhibition area and toilets. For the more adventurous, there is also Cycling, Horse Riding, Orienteering and "Go Ape"