Location
STAITHES is a pretty fishing port, in the glorious North York Moors National Park. Midway between Redcar and Whitby, within walking distance of Saltby and Sandsend, it is the perfect base for exploring the coast, and for discovering secret corners of the moors and beyond.
Arriving by car
Staithes is on the A174 between Whitby and Middlesbrough / Redcar. SatNav: use postcode TS13 5BS to reach the village centre, for unloading.
PARKING TO UNLOAD: Staithes was not designed for cars, so parking is on the cliff tops. You can drive into the village to drop-off bags and supplies; there is a 40-minute parking allowance on the main street, 30 metres from Dunsley’s door. As you descend the hill, and just after the cobbles start, you’ll find the entrance to Chapel Yard on your left, opposite Greystones and just before the post office. This is a pedestrian street. Dunsley is 30 metres along, on the left.
Bank Top car park (council operated) is free of charge from 1 November to 1 March, payable other times. In 2015 the council park size was halved and a private carpark established on the top section; this charges £6 for the day and £5 overnight, so £11 for 24 hours.
Arriving by public transport
There is a regular train service to Whitby and a frequent bus service on to Staithes: route 4, X4 (Whitby-Loftus-Middlesbrough).
Full details: www.northyorkstravel.info, or telephone 0871 200 22 33. The Yorkshire Coastliner Bus Company links Leeds and York to Whitby with regular services across the scenic North York Moors.
Getting around
North Yorkshire has an excellent public transport network which makes linear walks easy, and offers days out with a difference.
Immerse yourself in the days of steam, on The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (www.nymr.co.uk). Travel by bus (or drive) to Whitby, then pick up a train for the ride over the moors to Grosmont, Goathland, or the steam train’s terminus at Pickering.
Whitby, Sandsend and Runswick Bay are easily reached by bus. Walk one way and bus back, using line 5, 5A or X5 (timetable at www.northyorkstravel.info)
Saltburn by the Sea, with its famous 19th century hydraulic cliff lift from sea level, isn’t served by bus from Staithes; instead, it’s a 20 minute taxi ride. Walking back to Dunsley on the Cleveland Way takes around 3 hours. It’s a spectacular, yet easy hike, taking in unique cliff-top sculptures and Boulby Cliffs, the highest in England.