Scafil one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This route largely follows the Cleveland Way/England Coast Path, and so is well signposted and waymarked. I walked this from Filey to Scarborough. It is a stunning, coastal path, but for the most part it is very exposed, so make sure you have appropriate clothing - I was walking into a stiff north-westerly wind, and needed hat and gloves even at the end of March.

There are a couple of deviations I made from the Slow Ways published route - both at Osgodby. Firstly, the diversion of the route into the village centre is pointless unless you need to use the services. Secondly, after walking up from Cayton Bay towards Osgodby the Cleveland Way (and Slow Ways route) turns right down a long set of steps, only to climb steeply up again after a few hundred yards. In order to avoid this unnecessary descent and ascent, continue straight on at the path junction to Osgodby Hill, and turn right along the now disused road until the Cleveland Way rejoins from the right just as you reach the houses. Then continue a short distance along Filey Road until turning right along the coast path again immediately after the caravan park gates.

It is important to bear in mind that this section of coast is subject to frequent cliff collapse which means that there can be unexpected diversions, and you should take extra care where the path is near to the cliff edge.

Finally, the section into Scarborough between the "Star Map" and the Spa is along the top of the sea defences. This can become dangerous and/or impassable during high tides and stormy seas. There are several alternative routes available through South Cliff Gardens.

Quite muddy in places but relatively well signed as part of the Cleveland Way. Section through Osgodby steep in places, but a good amount was fairly level walking. Beautiful views out to sea. I walked as a single female and felt safe enough. Would walk again.

This route is essentially the section of the well established Cleveland Way long distance footpath between Scarborough and Filey. The route is signposted (Cleveland Way) at a number of points so there should not be navigation issues. There are several sections where there are short but steepish inclines/ steps including: Holbeck,( just south of Scarborough Spa), through the wooded section around Cornelian Bay, around the caravan site at Gristhorpe, and the steps into Filey from the country park.
In wet weather there can be some muddy sections.
The route is not accessible for wheelchairs, push chairs, etc.
There are spectacular coastal views of the cliffs, and Scarborough and Filey along this route.

Awesome route with stunning views. You can bike it as well. Passes through Cayton bay if you need a rest or snack.

This coastal walk largely follows the Cleveland Way between Filey and Scarborough and offers breathtaking views. Most of it follows clifftops, using good paths but some steep gradients and uneven terrain in places. Some sections liable to slippage of the cliffs. Not suitable for cycles.
There are some minor route changes I would recommend, to make easier/ more accessible/ reduce the ups and downs in elevation: Notably 1. in Filey - to access the cliffs via Filey Country Park (head toward St Oswald's Church via Church St and footbridge over Church Ravine then follow the wooded paths round top of ravine to meet the Cleveland Way at the top of its ascent to Filey Country Park.)
2. In Osgodby the peculiar diversion into residential suburb of Osgodby is presumably to meet the Slow ways parameter for rest/ refreshment/accomm at 10-15km intervals. But there is a large holiday park and a pub at Cayton Bay (plus a beach shack cafe and loos right on the beach). Shorter detour without leaving sight of the sea into the sea views. Other holiday parks on Gristhorpe cliff have shop / accomm options incl camping.
3. Approaching Scarborough, the Cleveland Way descends right to the shore, then one has to climb steeply from beneath Spa Bridge to rail stn. Firstly there are more pleasant routes on foot from Spa Bridge to the Station. Secondly one can approach the town without losing height - South Cliff Gardens / Esplanade makes a fine and gentler downhill approach to Scarborough into the 'South Cliff' part of town. Personally I would recommend heading for Spa Bridge (footbridge) and take the hidden away footbridge from Cliff Bridge Terrace to the Art Gallery and 'The Crescent' en route to station. Thirdly, one can also access shops, cafes sooner by leaving the Cleveland Way where it descends steeply down old Holbeck landslip. From Holbeck car park go up a little on sea cliff rd and take in pleasant quiet streets and architecture of Ramshill / South Cliff to slowly descend to the Valley Bridge and rail station.

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