Spring Has Sprung in Whitby!

Being situated on the north east coast isn't always a good thing. The weather through the winter (and occasionally the summer) can be a challenge (awful, in other words!).  However, we are delighted to announce that spring has sprung up here in Yorkshire - and it's delightful!

It doesn't take much sunshine to get us excited - especially when with it comes swaithes of lush green countryside, budding trees and blooming flowers.

Locally there are a number of crocus patches which always seem to be the first into flower. Mostly situated on roundabouts, or in Whitby itself at the top of Pannett Park. And once these have poked their cheery heads out of the ground we know it won't be long before the daffodils follow suit.

Step into the countryside and you'll find patches of snow drops, the first green daffodil shoots appearing in the shelter of trees and signs of new life in almost every direction. Look out for the lambs!

With all this in mind, where are some good spots to head for an early spring walk? Here are our top tips:

Falling Foss

A firm favourite with everyone who visits - regardless of the time of year. Falling Foss is a dramatic waterfall, just a few miles outside of Whitby. There are plenty of options for walks, with car parking available at both Falling Foss and May Beck (a mile or so beyond).  To get there, head through Ruswarp and then up the hill to Sneaton. Once through Sneaton village you'll be heading towards Scarborough and you'll find the Falling Foss turning as the road levels out on a sharp left hand bend. It's also signposted Littlebeck and May Beck.

In the shelter of the woodland you'll protected from any less enjoyable weather and able to wander amongst the trees at your leisure. Once at Falling Foss you can turn left and follow the side of the gorge until you get to the Hermitage - a stone dwelling and a perfect picnic spot. Or, turn left and follow the trail along the side of the stream until you reach May Beck.

As the weather warms up you'll find Falling Foss Tea Garden open for hot and cold drinks and snacks, along with the occasional ice cream van at the May Beck end of the trail.

Dalby Forest

Dalby is always a delight. On cold and frosty winter's morning it's like stepping back to a slower and quieter time. Wave goodbye to your mobile reception - Dalby Forest is the place to go to switch off!

Enjoy the Visitor Centre and children's play area, or head along one of the many footpaths - including the child-friendly Gruffalo Trail. Or, carry on a little further along the woodland road until you get to the Bridestones car park. Stop here and walk up, through the wonderful natural woodland, until you hit the heather-clad moorland above. This trail is fairly easy going - but not buggy or wheelchair friendly.

Explore the wonderfully rugged sandstone structures - a series of natural sculptures, a fantastic natural playground for children and adults to enjoy together.

The Cleveland Way

Fancy a bracing walking along the cliff tops? The Cleveland Way between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay has to be one of the most picturesque coastal walks in the country.

It'll take you about 3 hours to get all the way along - but it's always worth the effort. Stunning views, all the fresh sea air you could ever wish for and a refreshing pint and pub lunch at which ever end you finish at.

And while you're up at the Abbey (either about to set off, or having just finished) why not call in at the wonderful Whitby Brewery for a drink in their cosy bar? They're open 11am - 5pm at time of writing - and hoping to get an evening license before too long.

The Cinder Track

If the idea of being on the cliff top is a little too adventurous for you then the Cinder Track offers a much safer and leisurely route. It's good for bikes too.

Accessed near Beevers in Whitby, it can also be joined at Larpool Lane (at the viaduct), at Stainsacre, and Hawsker - depending on how far you want to walk/ride. It's fairly easy going in either direction - with a bit of a hill coming up out of Robin Hood's Bay.

You'll follow the route of the Cleveland Way, but inland a little, protecting you from any bad weather and resulting in a slightly less arduous route.

Robin Hood's Bay

If the beach is your thing then head down to Robin Hood's Bay. Stroll along the sands until you get to Boggle Hole and stop at the Youth Hostel for a drink or a meal. It's been recently renovated and is a fantastic asset to this stretch of coastline.

Or, stop in Bay, enjoy browsing the shops and galleries, or visiting one (or two!) of the local pubs - they're all good.

It'll Soon by Summer!

Once the cold, grey days of winter are behind us (and perhaps they're not yet, but we live in hope!) it'll soon be summer. Fair enough, the Yorkshire Coast may not be the best place to get a wonderful tan, and you may need to do your sunbathing fully clothed to avoid catching a cold, but if beautiful scenery, romantic locations, peaceful countryside, history and culture are what you're after then it can't be beaten!

Take our word for it - we live here!