We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Michael W.
The coach, provided by JH Coaches, will leave the old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA at 8.30am prompt.
Parking is free on a Sunday but please arrive at least 15 minutes earlier to allow time to board.
As we near Whitby on the A174, those of you wanting to do the longer walk will get off at Potato Hill, near East Barnby.
We will then continue to North Terrace, opposite The Royal Cresent on the West Cliff of Whitby, to drop off those wishing to do the shorter walk. The coach will then head down into Whitby to drop off those of you wanting to spend the day enjoying Whitby. I'm sure you will find lots of things to do to keep you amused, fed and watered.
When you get off the bus, please listen carefully to any instructions from the driver regarding the pick up point for our return. The coach will depart Whitby at 6.00pm prompt. Again, please arrive in good time to allow for boarding.
Short Walk details: Approximately 5 miles
Starting at North Terrace we go through the Whalebone Arch and descend to meet the river Esk, then follow the river inland towards the swing bridge. After crossing the swing bridge we turn right then left up numerous steps to meet a section of street running parallel with the river. We gradually walk up and out of Whitby and into the countryside until we meet a quiet road which we follow before turning towards the coast to a lighthouse and a fog horn. We then turn North and follow the Cleveland Way footpath back to Whitby passing the Abbey and Whitby Brewery, which may be a good place to end the walk if you so wish.
The route continues down the 199 steps and turns left along one of the nicest streets in Whitby heading back towards the swing bridge. The walk finishes here giving everyone plenty of time to discover more of Whitby's delights.
Walk Leader: Mike Webber, Contact number: 07970 042891
Long Walk details: Approximately 8 miles
The journey from Chester Le Street to our drop off point at Potato Hill PROW (Public Right of Way) should take us approximately 90 minutes. As the coach is departing at 0830hrs, we should reach this path at around 1000hrs - ish.
The PROW is on the main road so we need to be quick to alight and ready to ramble! We immediately head along the well used track towards Westfields Farm. Continuing in a northerly direction we then pass Brockrigg Farm and Kettlebell Farm before joining the Cleveland Way (CW).
On reaching the CW its just of matter of following the well trodden path in an easterly direction and turning south towards Whitby. The CW initially follows the cliff edge to Sandsend where I am told there is an abundance of cafes etc for a short stop and a cup of tea. Depending on the weather, we shall make the decision on the day on whether to have a break on the beach or to take refuge in the cafe! I plan for this stop to be about 30 minutes. It is therefore advisable to take suitable drinks and perhaps a snack.
Depending on the tide we shall then either stick to the CW or take a walk along the beach - we shall see on the day. Either way the beach and the CW run almost side by side.
Distance from the start point to the pier in Whitby is 8 miles and it is envisaged that we will reach Whitby by 1400hrs at the latest. As the coach does not depart until 1800hrs, this will give everyone an opportunity to take in the local sights and perhaps go for a fish and chip meal.
Please be aware that because of the distance together with well established paths, the route will not undergo a recce. Members should therefore be prepared to expect sudden changes (either longer or shorter) to the route described above.
Walk Leader: Brian Scott, Contact Number: 07368 372126
Starting point The old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA. Destination Whitby
