North Yorkshire, England — 65 km — 3–4 days
St Hilda’s Way
From the North York Moors to the clifftop ruins of Whitby Abbey, following the landscape shaped by Hilda in 657 AD.
St Hilda of Whitby was one of the most influential figures of early English Christianity — an abbess, scholar and diplomat who presided over the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD, where the course of English Christian practice was decided. This route follows the landscape she shaped, from the moorland villages of the North Yorkshire coast to the clifftop ruins of her great monastery.
The walking is spectacular: heather moorland, dramatic coastal villages like Runswick Bay and Sandsend, and a final approach to Whitby along the clifftops with the Abbey silhouetted against the sky. At three to four days, this is an ideal mid-length route — long enough to feel like a genuine pilgrimage, short enough for those new to walking holidays or with limited time.
The Route
Stage by Stage
Hinderwell to Staithes
Begin at Hinderwell’s ancient church — dedicated to St Hilda — and descend through the deeply-cut valley to Staithes, one of the most picturesque fishing villages on the Yorkshire coast. Captain Cook lived here as a boy.
Staithes to Runswick Bay
Follow the Cleveland Way coastal path south, climbing in and out of dramatic coves. Runswick Bay is one of the finest beaches on the North Yorkshire coast — a tangle of red-roofed cottages tumbling down to the sand.
Runswick Bay to Sandsend
Cross the moorland plateau above the coast, passing the ruins of Goldsborough signal station and descending to the long sandy beach at Sandsend — with Whitby’s rooftops and Abbey now visible in the distance.
Sandsend to Whitby Abbey
Walk the beach into Whitby, cross the swing bridge over the Esk, and climb the famous 199 steps to the clifftop. Whitby Abbey’s skeletal Gothic ruins stand against the sky — the dramatic, unmistakable end to the pilgrimage.
Your Package
What's Included
Walk at your own pace along one of England’s finest coastal routes. Start any day that suits.
- Hand-picked B&Bs and inns in coastal villages (private rooms)
- Daily luggage transfers between accommodations
- Detailed route notes with OS maps and coastal path guidance
- Guide to St Hilda’s life and the Synod of Whitby
- 24/7 local support line throughout
- Yorkshire seafood and restaurant guide
- Train and transport connections to Hinderwell and from Whitby
Everything in self-guided, plus a historian guide bringing early medieval Yorkshire to life at every step.
- Everything included in self-guided
- Expert guide — early medieval historian
- Welcome dinner at Hinderwell on arrival evening
- Farewell dinner in Whitby — fish and chips on the harbour
- Guided tour of Whitby Abbey with English Heritage
- Evening talks on St Hilda, Caedmon and the early church
- Monthly departures April through October
Walk to Whitby Abbey your way.
Three to four days along one of England’s finest coastal walking routes. We’ll handle everything from Hinderwell to the 199 steps.