Skinningrove to Staithes Walk

4.7 miles (7.6 km)

This walk follows a section of the Cleveland Way from Skinningrove to Staithes. It's just under 5 miles, following the waymarked path east to Staithes Harbour via Boulby.
The route starts at the valley floor in Skinningrove, heading past the site of the old ironstone mines before climbing steeply up onto the cliffs.... This stretch contains the highest point on the entire east coast of England at Boulby Cliffs, which reach an elevation of 660 feet (200 metres) above sea level. The trail is well-defined but features undulating terrain with steep stone steps and drops, requiring sturdy footwear. It passes directly over the subterranean network of Boulby Mine, one of the deepest mines in Europe, before descending into the historic, cobbled streets of Staithes.
The high cliffs and coastal scrub provide important habitats for specialized wildlife and nesting birds. During the spring and summer months, the sheer rock faces serve as breeding sites for colonies of fulmars, kittiwakes, and cormorants, which can be seen nesting on the narrow ledges. The maritime grasslands along the cliff tops support rare insects and wild pollinators, while birds of prey like peregrine falcons and kestrels frequently hunt along the thermals. The underlying geology is also notable, featuring exposed Liassic rock strata that are highly regarded for fossil hunting.