North Yorkshire Coastal Walk Reveals Abandoned Railway Tunnel and Historic Ruins
Nestled along the North Yorkshire coastline, the charming town of Sandsend offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and hidden historical treasures. This scenic coastal walk, beloved by holidaymakers and avid ramblers alike, guides visitors directly onto a sweeping three-mile expanse of sandy beach while unveiling fascinating remnants of the area's industrial past.
The Route and Its Heritage
This particular trail forms part of the renowned Cleveland Way National Trail, which winds gracefully through Sandsend. The journey begins with an ascent up a flight of steps at the East Row car park, immediately presenting picturesque vistas of the surrounding landscape. Whitby can be seen shimmering in the distance, while several historical treasures await discovery along the path.
The route showcases stunning natural features including Sandsend Ness, a geological formation bearing a striking resemblance to lunar landscapes. However, the true historical highlight remains the area's railway heritage, with visible ruins telling stories of a bygone industrial era.
The Abandoned Railway Tunnel
The most intriguing feature of this coastal walk is undoubtedly the derelict railway tunnel, which witnessed its final train journey in 1958. Since that time, the tunnel has remained completely abandoned, with only minimal safety measures implemented to deter curious explorers.
This tunnel once formed a crucial part of the Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway, which initially opened to traffic in 1883. The now-dilapidated structure stretches an impressive 1,652 yards as a single-track passageway, featuring five sealed shafts that hint at its former engineering complexity.
Although the northern entrance partially collapsed in 2008, creating hazardous conditions for passers-by, the entrances have been bricked up to prevent unauthorized access. A small hatch allows visitors to peer into the darkness beyond, though the tunnel is officially deemed too dangerous for entry.
Despite these precautions, evidence suggests that intrepid explorers have occasionally found their way inside. The southern section reportedly suffers from extreme dampness, with floodwater reaching depths up to six inches, while nature has gradually reclaimed the spaces between the tunnel walls.
Descending to the Shoreline
Adjacent to the abandoned tunnel, a carefully maintained path runs beside a cascading waterfall that tumbles gracefully toward the sea. Rope guides assist visitors in navigating the descent, with one walker describing the experience as reminiscent of "being on pirates or a smuggler's route down to a bay."
Practical footwear is strongly recommended for this section, as the steps can become caked in mud and extremely slippery, particularly during wet weather conditions. The path carries walkers across the waterfall before continuing onward into a sheltered bay.
Sandsend's Expansive Beach
The three-mile sandy beach has attracted generations of visitors seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Recent visitors have praised the location extensively, with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting: "A beautiful coast, would highly recommend. Lovely atmosphere and views. My children loved it here, it's very peaceful."
Another visitor described it as a "Beautiful stretch of coastline any time of year," adding: "We often visit in the spring or autumn, but this was our first summer visit and it was great to see this beach in all its glory! Lovely calm water for swimming, perfect for beating the heat after walking the length of the beach."
Coastal Amenities and Refreshments
Dotted along the shoreline, several charming establishments offer opportunities for refreshment while enjoying the fresh sea breeze and rhythmic sound of waves. At the centre of the beach sits Tides, a welcoming café, alongside Sandside café – both providing perfect spots for a leisurely break.
For those seeking something stronger, The Hart Inn stands conveniently opposite the beach, serving pints ideal for sunny afternoons plus warming pub grub for when temperatures drop. One recent visitor reported: "We sat outside in the front beer garden, it was lovely. We found the staff and locals extremely friendly. The pub was busy and has a nice atmosphere. We would visit again if in the area."
This North Yorkshire coastal walk successfully combines natural splendour with historical intrigue, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore both scenic landscapes and fascinating industrial relics from centuries past.
