Trail Running Planet · North York Moors · Whitby Coast
Whitby and Sandsend Coast
You run the clifftop Cleveland Way from Whitby to Sandsend, high above the North Sea, with the ruined abbey behind you and the wide sweep of the bay ahead the whole way.
Distance
16.1 km
Ascent
302 m
Descent
304 m
Max elevation
199 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
2h – 2h 40m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
straightforward
Parking
YO21 3PU
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 16.1km loop from Whitby along the Cleveland Way to Sandsend and back through the Esk valley fringe, on clifftop coast path and quiet inland track. Dramatic North Yorkshire coast running with the abbey as a landmark.
Hazards & notes
The coast path runs close to unfenced cliff edges, so keep well back, especially in wind, and the clifftop is muddy after rain. The beach line is cut off by the tide, so check tide times. This is coastal ground: in an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/north-york-moors/whitby-coast/whitby-and-sandsend-coast
trailrunningplanet.com