Whitby Way
A 66-mile long-distance path in North Yorkshire. It starts in the city of York and crosses the Howardian Hills and North York Moors to finish on the North Yorkshire coast in the popular fishing port of Whitby. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SE 603 521
Distance: 66 miles (106 km)
Time: 26–33 hours
Duration: 4–6 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL26 North York Moors – Western Area
OL27 North York Moors – Eastern Area
290 York, Selby and Tadcaster
299 Ripon, Boroughbridge and Easingwold
300 Howardian Hills and Malton
Summary
The Whitby Way long-distance footpath meanders from southwest to northeast across the countryside of North Yorkshire, linking York Minster with Whitby Abbey. It weaves through the Vale of York and over the North York Moors.
From the start in the center of York, the walk heads north by following the Ebor Way and Foss Walk from the city through Haxby and into open countryside. The small villages of Huby and Crayke are passed, with the town of Easingwold a short and optional detour to the west. From Crayke, the Whitby Way continues north to Oulston, Coxwold, and Byland Abbey before crossing Scawton Moor to reach Rievaulx Abbey.
The route then turns from north to east, continuing to the market town of Helmsley before passing through Beadlam to Kirkbymoorside. The walk then ascends to the North York Moors via Hutton-le-Hole, crossing Spaunton Moor to reach Rosedale Abbey. Next in line are Rosedale Moor and Glaisdale Moor before joining the Coast to Coast Walk route through Glaisdale and Egton Bridge. Leaving the Coast to Coast route just before Grosmont, the Whitby Way continues to Briggswath and Ruswarp before entering Whitby and climbing to the Abbey to finish on the clifftops overlooking the sea.