Walk To Whitby from Partridge Nest Farm
We often get asked how to walk to Whitby from Partridge Nest, how long it takes and the best route. We gave it a go ourselves and came up with the following.
Total distance (route A) 5.2 miles
Total time for route A) 1 hour 45 mins; Route B) 1 hour 30 mins
To start both routes - Leave Partridge Nest and turn right on Eskdaleside, towards Sleights (as this is on a road with no pavement, remember to always walk on the right hand side).
. At the T junction with Coach Road, turn left.
. Continue down Coach Road, past the Spar and Radfords Butcher then route A) or B)
A) The prettier country (possibly muddy) route:
. Take a right fork down Lowdale Lane.
. Follow this to its end (T junction) and cross the little wooden bridge ahead of you (12 on the map) Walk down the side of the sports field then, just before the red brick cricket pavillion, exit the field through a gate on your right then turn left and continue NE up Echo Hill.
.Turn right at the signpost for Ruswarp. You are now on the Esk Valley Way walk and will follow signsposts throught the fields, marked with a leaping salmon.
. Turn left just before the buildings at Hagg House. Go past the cowshed and down the slope, and walk down to the railway. Cross the railway and turn right.
. Cross back again at the next level crossing and follow the lane to the road, the B1416.
. Turn left towards Ruswarp but carefully cross this road to walk on the pavement, past Wilf Noble Building Supplies and Whitby Stoves and across the bridge over the River Esk (16 on the map) Why not Drop in to The Bridge pub for a break.
. Just before you cross the railway lines you'll see a 'Permitted Way' footpath on your right that runs down the side of the rail line. Follow this for 25mins (flat and level) until you emerge by the marina into the harbour coach and car parks in Whitby.
B) The slightly quicker, less pretty and 'predominantly on a road without a pavement' route (not ideal with children):
. Continue down coach road past Bothams Bakery all the way to the bottom of the hill.
. Before the road bridge take the right and left, past the Salmon Leap Hotel to Sleights Station.
. Cross the railway via the pedestrian gate, cross the pedestrian bridge over the river and turn right along The Carrs (B1410).
. Pass Perry's Plants and Riverside Cafe (lovely spot for a break in nice weather). Continue on The Carrs til you reach Ruswarp (2 miles).
. At the T junction in Ruswarp turn right.
. Immediatley after you cross the railway lines you'll see a 'Permitted Way' footpath on the opposite side of the road (station side of the road) that runs down the side of the rail line. Follow this for 25mins (flat and level) until you emerge by the marina into the harbour coach and car parks in Whitby.
To return, either retrace your steps or take the Coastliner 840 to Sleights (12 mins) or Arriva 95 to Sleights (or 5 times a day, alight at Partridge Nest - 40 mins) from Whitby Bus Station (behind train station) or grab a taxi from the taxi rank (near to the Endevour replica in the harbour) Approx £12 to Partridge Nest.