Closca one

Verified Slow Way

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Cloughton to Scarborough 1 (Closca 1) review.

A terrific North Yorkshire Slow Way that mostly follows a stretch of The Cleveland Way coastal path.

The walk out of Cloughton is on The Cinder Track, an inland route following the former Scarborough to Whitby railway line.

The route leaves the track at Field Lane, and then takes a path to join the Cleaveland Way. The coastal path was muddy and slippery in places on my walk (October 2024).

The Slow Way descends stone steps to arrive at the Old Scalby Mills; former windmill now a cozy pub.

As mentioned in previous reviews, there are several ways to cross Scarborough: there’s the North Bay miniature railway and Royal Albert Park. This route leaves the promenade for streets with plenty of shopping opportunities.

This is a fairly straightforward walk which partly follows the Cleveland Way/England Coast Path, and partly the Cinder Track - the former railway line between Scarborough and Whitby. It is fairly well signposted.

I walked this route from south to north. The suggested route from Scarborough Station to North Bay is probably the most straightforward, but there are more attractive options. In particular, I would recommend continuing along Castle Road and then walking along Queen's Parade and down through Royal Albert Park to reach the seafront. At Old Scalby Mills, the route climbs up and continues along the coast path along the cliff top. This section is in relatively good condition, but do be careful of the cliff edge, as this part of the coast is subject to significant erosion.

Before Long Nab, the Slow Ways route then tuns inland along a paved path (signposted to Burniston) to Field Lane, and then along The Cinder Track, skirting Burniston, to Cloughton. The Cinder Track is level, with a slight incline, and generally good condition. A more attractive option, however, would be to continue along the coast path via Long Nab (where the coastal scenery becomes more interesting) and Hundale Point to Cloughton Wyke. Then along Salt Pans Road to Cloughton.

This route follows the Closca two route along the ‘Cinder Track’ until you are east of Burniston and come to Field Lane ,the second minor road crossing. Following Field Lane to the east will bring you to the English Coastal Path/ Cleveland Way. Heading south, the route follows the clifftop. Could be cycled if adventurous.
The descent from the clifftop at Scalby Mills into Scarborough North Bay is many irregular rough steps (photo). Once you have crossed Scalby Beck to the Sealife Centre, you can walk along the Promenade and soak up the Great British seaside and an Ice cream or burger depending on the season. Alternatively, take the miniature railway to Peasholm Lake & Gardens. From the Gardens you can follow the Slow Ways into Scarborough Town and the Station. Or continue round North Bay and into South Bay. This is Scarborough at its seaside peak.

I walked this from south to north, to the point where the publicised route leaves the coast. It is part of the Cleveland Way along the coast and well signposted but fairly muddy in places. I walked as a single female and it felt safe. It is much better suited to walking than biking.

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