THERE has been much evidence of dinosaurs found along the Yorkshire coast. Many of them discovered in the alum shale which is found along our coastline.

Dinosaur footprints were uncovered at Burniston Bay and there was much excitement in Whitby when in 1824 the fossilised remains of a crocodile were found in alum shale nearby.

It was so complete that it was restored and preserved and is now on display in the Whitby Museum.

More than one Plesiosaur has been found near Whitby. Probably the best fossil reptile was found in alum shale at Kettleness higher up the coast.

You won't see much evidence of fossils whilst on the cliffs, but you will see the remains of the alum workings on the lower cliff and the shale where the creatures were found many years ago.

Your Route

There are very high cliffs on this walk. The footpath is near the edge and there is erosion in places. If you are at all afraid of heights do not attempt the walk. If you do walk the paths please take extra care and take diversions where signed.

Start from the car park adjacent to Whitby Abbey and turn left at the exit. When the road bears left you must turn right at the Cleveland Way sign and walk past a farm to join the cliff path through a gate.

With grand views all round, take care on these high cliffs. When you reach Saltwick Nab, the Cleveland Way passes through the caravan park. Take the road straight ahead. At the other side of the park, rejoin the Cleveland Way cliff path over a stile.

Continue along the well-marked path, passing over several stiles and soon Whitby lighthouse and the Whitby Bull come into view.

The Whitby Bull is the foghorn. You will see the two massive horns on top of the building. The path takes you in front of it then routes you around the lighthouse. Follow the Cleveland Way signs across the road, then up a few steps and through a gate to join the footpath.

It is downhill for a way now then a massive climb up man-made steps to the top. Cross a stile into a field and follow a diversion sign. Keep on the path then down a gully and a climb out again to go past a memorial garden before reaching another gully.

Cross a field then descend into another, greasy gully. Climb out and in a few yards turn right at the Hawsker signpost. Walk up the steep grass then join the caravan park road. Continue uphill through the caravan site with regard to the notice to walkers.

At the exit, turn right signed for a footpath to Hawsker. Take the exit road down a gully then up again and as you reach the top there is another caravan site. Just before this turn right onto the disused railway line. There are wonderful views all round now as you head off towards Whitby.

Keep on the railway path without diversion to the road, use the crossing if it is busy, and rejoin the railway path past Trailways, a bicycle hire operation. As the path heads on past Stainsacre you will see the Windmill Inn on the right looking welcoming indeed, maybe it's time for a snack!

After a long, uninteresting section you reach the viaduct. The views along the River Esk are grand. Keep on the path into Whitby and when you can go no further leave the path to the right down some steps.

Walk along the street downhill to the roundabout. Cross over the road and continue downhill to the harbour. Cross the bridge then take the second left along Church Street as far as the church steps. Climb the steps and walk round the abbey wall to return to the car park.

The Facts:

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Time: 3 hours

Start/parking: Whitby Abbey car park, grid ref 904113

Best map: OS Outdoor Leisure 27

Refreshments: Pub at Stainsacre and plenty of choice in Whitby

Public toilets: In Whitby

Guide book: Walking around on the Yorkshire Coast by J Brian Beadle published by Trailblazer at £1.95 contains routes in the same area. Available from book shops, NYMR Railway Stations, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Tourist Information Centres.

Updated: 12:04 Tuesday, March 08, 2005