The Cinder Track is a fantastic adventure route for families, offering a traffic-free trail packed with coastal views, woodland stretches and friendly villages along the way. Running between Whitby and Scarborough along a former railway line, it’s a safe and flexible way for children of all ages to enjoy the outdoors — whether you’re cycling or walking. Because the route is mostly gentle and can be broken into shorter sections, it’s perfect for families who want a relaxed day out without feeling rushed. Kids will love spotting wildlife, discovering old railway features, and stopping at beaches or cafés en route, while adults can enjoy the scenery and peaceful, car-free environment. With plenty of picnic spots, access points and places to rest, The Cinder Track makes it easy to tailor the day to your family’s pace and create a memorable outdoor adventure on the Yorkshire Coast.
Route Map
Family Highlights
Parents will love the long traffic free sections of the route, allowing children some freedom to explore safely. The gentle gradient makes it suitable for all ages to explore.
Enjoy beautiful coastal scenery and a varied landscape
Interesting stops along the route including woodlands, old quarries/brick works, Robin Hoods Bay, Ravenscar and the twin waterfalls of Hayburn Wyke sea-cove.
The Cinder Track runs between Whitby and Scarborough over approximately 21 miles, but you don’t have to cycle all of it. Sections around Burniston are tarmacked so suitable for scooters etc.
The route runs parallel to the England Coast Path and Cleveland Way so walking can be looped onto the more challenging terrain of the cliff tops (not suitable for smaller children due to the terrain, lots of steps and the drops off the edge).
The wildest sections are around Ravenscar, where deer, adders (snakes), seals and much more can be spotted at quieter times.
The best coastal views are between Hawsker and Ravenscar.
Stop at the beach in Robin Hoods Bay, detour to Boggle Hole beach, or detour to Scarborough/Whitby beach.
Practical Info for Families
Parking:
Parking is available at various points along the route, though will likely be paid parking in busy areas at busy times. Drive out to a quiet spot along the route for free parking.
Facilities:
Public toilets are available in Robin Hoods Bay and Ravenscar along the route. The Scarborough end starts/finishes at Sainsbury’s where customer toilets can be used. Customer toilets are available at any of the cafes and pubs along the route.
Food and Drink:
There are various cafes, Pubs and tea rooms all along or just off the route. Some examples are:
The Windmill, Stainsacre.
Coast Café Bar Hawsker.
Various options Robin Hoods Bay.
A slight hilly detour to Boggle Hole YHA with a café
National Trust Café and Ravenscar Tea Rooms – Ravenscar.
Hayburn Wyke Inn.
Various pubs within Burniston and Cloughton.
Picnic Areas:
There are simple benches all along the route, suitable for eating snacks and resting. Some picnic benches available in some places for example Ravenscar.
Access:
Most of the track is wide and covered with a fine black grit which will be dusty in summer and muddy when wet. Some sections are tarmacked the longest tarmacked sections being around Whitby, Scarborough, and Burniston.
Some sections can be very muddy when wet.
The route is intended for cycling, walking and horse riding. There are some gates and some road crossings, as well as some sections on roads. Riding a bike with a trailer attached or pushing a buggy will not be a problem.
There can be short challenging sections, due to weathering and erosion, where the less confident might want to walk for a short distance, like this section near Ravenscar:
Dogs:
Dogs are welcome all along the route