Whitby Walks in and around the area are some of the most picturesque in the County of North Yorkshire.
The stream under the bridge at Goathland
A scenic water view
The beautiful clearing on the Water Ark walk
In the present colder weather, it is still possible to take a brisk walk to clear the cobwebs and take in the beautiful scenery which we are fortunate to have in this part of the world. Yesterday, for instance in the village of Goathland, it was a clear, bright, but cool day, just the type of weather to wrap up warm and take the hiking boots for the first hike of the season, and ‘take to the hills’.
The ‘Water Arc’ walk is one to be taken regularly in all four seasons. Crossing over the railway line near to Goathland Station, turning left, and following the pathway to the top of the ridge does, perhaps, give the impression of a steep ascent but taken at a slow pace, for those of a more sedentary situation, it is easily achieved. The downward descent is a little more tricky especially in the wetter weather, but with careful monitoring of the cut away steps, it is manageable. At the bottom of the steps there unfolds a beautiful clearing, which, it must be said, it more scenic in the summer months, however, in the present weather it is delightful enough to those seeing it for the first time. There are a number of stepping stones to the left but it is unnecessary to traverse these, they are just nice to look at!
At the end of the clearing, turn to the right and cross the little bridge, from where there is a descent up the steps to the top of the hill. Halfway up is a very welcome seat from which to survey the local scenery. Once at the summit, climb the style which then takes you on a pathway past a farmhouse to the very top of the moors. At this stage, in yesterday’s weather, it was, to put it mildly, slightly windy!!! However, take the well trod path until there is a descent and take a sharp left. This pathway will take you parallel to the railway line, again another welcome seat awaits half way along. This path will lead to another small bridge crossing a most scenic flowing stream before leading again to another ascent but this time the steps are more evenly spaced. From here onwards, the well worn path will lead to another style and then on to the road from where it is possible to walk to along to the start of the walk near the station.
There are pay and display car parks available as well as public conveniences. When doing the Whitby Walks both in Whitby and the surrounding areas, especially at this time of year, why not reward yourself with a welcome beverage at one of the local cafes or pubs or maybe an ice-cream!
