Walk 1 - Castle Headland
Distance: 1.75 miles
Duration: 40 minutes
A short walk which packs in a lot, including 250ft of elevation gain as you walk from North Bay to South Bay via the Castle Headland. Expect a huge variety of views during the walk and the opportunity to explore Scarborough Castle, St. Mary's Church and Scarborough Harbour if you wish...
Difficulty Level
Moderate. A short walk but there is 250ft of elevation gain and there are some steep paths down steps.
Parking
Parking is available on Marine Drive at the start of the walk. Charges apply seasonally.
Wheelchairs / Prams?
Only from Marine Drive to the castle. And again along Marine Drive. There are steps elsewhere.
Family Friendly?
This is a great walk for families but there is 250ft of elevation gain and care must be taken at the North Bay viewpoint.
Start
This walk begins on Marine Drive, North Bay Scarborough at the Royal Albert Park sign. There is ample parking on Marine Drive. There are also toilets close to the start point. Take the path from the sign as it curves upwards. Follow the path upwards as it winds its way towards the castle high above. There are picnic benches in case you need a break from the 250ft climb upwards.
North Bay Viewpoint
The path eventually passes under an arch, part of Scarborough Castle. Once you cross under the arch, turn right immediately and follow the steps upwards towards the castle entrance. Cross over the road by the entrance and follow the path going up the hill to the right. There are two ways up to the top of the slope, both just a few yards but quite sleep. It's worth the climb as the views over both North Bay and South Bay are stunning and its one of the best views of Scarborough Castle's Keep. Be careful with children, it's quite a drop and there are no railings. You can visit Scarborough Castle throughout the year for a small charge and also close by St. Mary' Church and Anne Bronte's grave.
Castle Headland Walk
From the viewpoint, retrace your steps down past the castle entrance and back to the arch you walked under. From this point, instead of walking back under the arch, you're walking straight up the steps which climb towards the castle walls. This path will take you along the curtain walls and give great views between the trees over South Bay and Scarborough Harbour.
Down to Harbour
The path crosses over part of the castle wall and as it drops steeply down a series of steps, you'll have the wall immediately to your right. Look out for a couple of gates within the wall, these days there's little cliff the other side of them, so perhaps just as well they're locked shut! Follow the signs to the harbour until you reach it close to Luna Park Fair and the old Toll House.
Marine Drive
The final part of this short walk is a rewarding flat walk northwards along Marine Drive round to North Bay and back to the start. Look out to sea to spot the resident Porpoises and occasionally Botttlenose Dolphins. Look towards the cliffs for seabirds and Peregrine Falcons too.
Visit Scarborough Tip
Try this walk at sunrise for a spectacular view over North and South Bay with the sun rising over the sea. It will add extra magic to your walk and look great on your social media photos!
This walk features in Episode 15 of the Visit Scarborough Podcast...
