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How to Walk to Hayburn Wyke Waterfall

by zoe tehrani
written by zoe tehrani Published: Updated:

This walk takes you on a circular route, to a secluded rocky cove, with the gorgeous Hayburn Wyke Waterfall cascading down into a pool. It then brings you back via the Cinder Trail, which is the old railway line between Scarborough and Whitby.

Hayburn Wyke waterfall cascading down the rocks into a pool of water, partway through the walk along the North Yorks Moors Coast. There are tufts of green leaves and grass poking out of the crevices of the rocks.

Yesterday I did the more popular walk between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby, and I loved this one way more… 

What I’m going to do in this guide, is first give you an overview of what to expect on the circular Hayburn Wyke waterfall walk, with full logistics, a map, and some useful tips. I will then go on to describe to route step by step with lots of photos.

Fun Fact: Hayburn Wyke means ‘Hunting enclosure by a stream’ in Anglo Saxon.

What to expect on the Hayburn Wyke walk

The walk to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall starts off on a trail along the clifftop, with the occasional view to the green covered rocky cliffs below. You will then enter the woods as you gradually make your decent, with a surprise view along the way. 

Looking down towards a grass covered cliff peninsular, where it meets the North Sea, own the walk towards Hayburn Wyke.
Looking over the green bushes, to the grass covered clifftop ahead, with the blue North Sea to the right.
A rugged and rocky trail leading downhill through the woods.

You will then reach the secluded rocky beach, with the wonderful Hayburn Wyke Waterfall. 

Looking down and along a rocky beach, enclosed by a green bush covered cliff, on the walk down to Hayburn Wyke.

To make your way back, you will then walk up, through the Hayburn Wyke woods, maybe spotting some deer (I saw Bambi). 

A baby deer leaping downhill across the tall grass field.

At the top, you will reach the Hayburn Wyke Inn, where you can stop to refuel, before walking back along the gentle Cinder Track trail.

The stone walled Hayburn Wyke Inn on the right, with a seating area to the left of it, near the end of the circular walk. There are rose flowers along parts of the wall.
The Cinder Track dirt trail leading straight ahead through a green leafed tree tunnel, near the end of the Hayburn Wyke circular walk.

I did the walk on a weekend during a heatwave, and passed barely anyone. For the first stretch of the walk, to reach the Hayburn Wyke waterfall, I was all alone. At the waterfall, I had about 15min to myself, then was joined by a couple. I was all alone again through the woods, then only passed a couple of cyclists on the Cinder Track. It’s a real hidden gem.

How long is the walk?

The full circular Hayburn Wyke walk is 3.5 miles. It took me about 1.5 h to complete, which included mooching around the waterfall, and stopping to let Bambi pass (more on that later).

Looking down to the rocky beach where Hayburn Wyke is located, on the walk along the clifftop. The cliff surrounding the beach is covered in green bushes and trees.

Is the circular Hayburn Wyke walk difficult

I would rate the Hayburn Wyke circular walk as easy. The woodland section is a bit rugged and steep, and it’s uphill all the way when walking from the waterfall to the Hayburn Wyke Inn. However, it’s such a short route, and I didn’t feel it took much out of me. 

Rugged rock steps leading uphill through the woods. There is a wooden railing to the right of the steps.

Is Hayburn Wyke dog friendly?

The Hayburn Wyke walk looked pretty dog friendly. There are no styles, and I didn’t see any loose livestock. However, there were deer.

Parking to walk to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall

There are couple of good parking options to walk to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall. I parked on Hood Lane, at the start of the Cinder Track. There is a lay-by here which fits a few cars, and it’s free. I was the only one parked there, and when I got back near midday, I was still the only one.

A long straight road, with part of a red car visible, parked to the left, and green leafy bushes and trees to the right.
An archway bridge, covered in green leaves, and surround by bushes and trees, at the start of the walk towards Hayburn Wyke.
I parked just here

However, if there is no space, then further back on the road is free street side parking. 

Another option would be to park at the Hayburn Wyke Inn. At the time of writing, it costs £5, but you get the money back if you spend £20 in the pub. 

If coming by public transport, see logistics below.

Tips for walking to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall

  • I would recommend hiking boots, due to the terrain through the woods. It’s steep in parts, with rocks and tree roots.
  • If starting from the same place as me (Hood Lane), then do the route anti-clockwise. That way, the Hayburn Wyke Inn is near the end of the route, which would be a nice way to finish the walk.
  • If you choose to start the walk at the Hayburn Wyke Inn, then either way is fine. If you go clockwise, the waterfall will be early on in the walk. Anticlockwise would mean you save the waterfall for near the end.
  • If you don’t want to walk along the Cinder Track, you have another option, which I will show you when I describe the route below.

Logistics

  • Start/Finish: Hood Lane. Post Code for the area is YO13 0AT.
  • Where is it: Hayburn Wyke is located on the coast of the North York Moors, just north of Scarborough. 
  • Public Transport: The nearest train station is Cloughton. You can easily start the walk to Hayburn Wyke from there. It will add about 1 mile to the route. Out of the station, follow the Cinder Track, then turn right onto Salt Pans road. This will lead you onto the coastal path, which you head north on.
  • Distance: 3.5 miles
  • Time: 1h 30min with breaks
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Terrain: Dirt path, gravel, grass, tree roots, steps, big rocks.
  • Amenities: The Hayburn Wyke Inn is located on the Cinder Track. Nothing else along the route.
  • Time of year: I walked to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall in summer

Map for the circular Hayburn Wyke waterfall walk

You can find my more detailed route map for the circular walk to Hayburn Wyke on AllTrails

Read more: Best walks in the North York Moors

Route description for the Hayburn Wyke waterfall walk

If starting to walk to Hayburn Wyke from the Hood Lane lay-by, you should see a big arched bridge straight ahead, and a sign for the Cinder Track to the right. 

The road on the left, leading under an archway bridge, with masses of bushes to the right of it. To the right of the bushes is a trail, with a dog poo bin, and wooden trail signpost. The bridge is covered in green leafed plants.

Go straight ahead, under the bridge, and keep going all the way to the fork, where you turn left to walk up the hill.

A path leading straight ahead, with a field and hill to the left. The path is lined with bushes.
A dirt trail leading uphill, and a gravel road leading to the right. There is a big wall of bushes to the left of the track, and bushes and trees dividing the road and track.
Go up the left path

As I was walking up, I wasn’t expecting to see anything yet, so was pleasantly surprised to get some wonderful views across the countryside hills, and to a coastal peninsular. 

Looking over the green fern, and a rooftop, to the vast expanse of green grass fields in the distance, on the circular walk towards Hayburn Wyke.
Looking over the green fern and bushes, to the green grass fields, and coastal peninsular in the distance.

The dirt trail will turn to grass, and then you will reach a viewpoint bench and trail signpost. If you have come from Cloughton, this is where you should end up.

A grass trail through the field, of unkept grass.
A turquoise bench on the grass, facing the right.
A view over the white hogweed to the fields and coastline and peninsula's in the distance.
A grass trail, surround by tall unkept grass, and a wooden trail signpost to the left.

Walk along the clifftop

Now you follow the trail sign to the left, along the Cleveland Way. This stretch is mostly level, with gentle undulations. Here and there you will get a gorgeous view down to the coastline on the right, and across the countryside fields to the left. 

Looking down the green bush covered cliff, and along the coastline of the north sea, on there walk towards Hayburn Wyke.
A thin dirt trail, leading towards some bushes and trees, and lined with tall grass and fern.
Looking across the green grass undulating fields, when walking to Hayburn Wyke.
A dirt trail, lined with green bushes.
A grass trail, lined with tall grass on both sides, and with a wire fence to the left. There is a view ahead in the distance of fields and hills and trees.
A dirt trail on the left, with a view down to the North Sea and bush and grass covered cliffside headland on the right, on the circle walk to Hayburn Wyke.

I found this section to be incredibly peaceful. It was a gorgeous sunny day, with no one else about. I did pass a group of cows (luckily separated by fence), lazing around in the tall grass. I wondered if ticks bite cows. That was a question for Google later.

Update: They do.

Cows grazing in the tall grass, with trees behind them.

Keep going all the way to reach the Hayburn Wyke woods.

The trail lined with tall grass, leading into the woodland.

Walk down through Hayburn Wyke Woods

You will start to descend as soon as you enter the Hayburn Wyke woods. When you reach the trail signpost, you want to continue to follow the Cleveland way, except don’t go where the arrow tells you. Instead, go straight across and down the rock steps.

A wide and rigged dirt trail leading downhill through the woods.
A well maintained dirt path through the woods.
A wooden trail signpost in the woods, pointing left to Hayburn Wyke Inn, and right and back for the Cleveland Way.
Go straight across here
Rugged stone steps leading downhill in the woods. The steps are lined with green leafy plants.

Keep going along the main path, then follow the yellow arrow to the left to reach the straggly tree. 

A wooden stump trail sign, with a yellow arrow pointing left. The sign is sitting in a gift of tall grass, within the woods.
A straggly tree leaning over the trail, with light shining outside of the woods ahead.

At this tree, you want to go left, however, first go straight past the tree to the opening, where you get a surprise view.

Looking down to the rocky beach where Hayburn Wyke is located, on the walk along the clifftop. The cliff surrounding the beach is covered in green bushes and trees.

The beach you see below, is where you are heading to. You can’t see the Hayburn Wyke waterfall from here though. That comes later.

Taking the left, the trail is a mix of level, and downhill on very rugged terrain, to reach the next trail signpost and junction. Follow the trail to the right, towards Ravenscar.

A dirt trail leading downhill through the dark woods, with some rays of light shining through. there is a tree leaning over the trail on the right.
The trail winding downhill through the woods, surrounded by tall grass, and a few straggly trees.
A wooden trail signpost in the woods, pointing left to Hayburn Wyke Inn, and right and back for the Cleveland Way. The signpost is next to the trail.
Turn right here

A great walk out here is from Robin Hood’s Bay to Ravenscar. It’s a lovely walk first along the clifftop, and then along the beach, where you might spot some seals.

Being that it was summer and we were in our second heatwave, I was half expecting the Hayburn Wyke waterfall to be dried up. Up until this point, I could hear the sound of the sea. But then I head it. It was unmistakable. The sound of a waterfall cascade….

Walk down to the beach and the Hayburn Wyke waterfall

You will soon exit the woods, and at the junction with a bridge to the left, stay on this path leading straight and to the right. 

A stone paved path to the right, and green grass and bushes to the left, with part of a wooden bridge visible on the far left.
Keep right here to walk down to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall

I actually thought the waterfall would be to the left, over the bridge somewhere, and I almost went that way. However, as I was right by the beach now, I figured I might as well go and take a look. But I would make it quick as I was desperate to see the waterfall. 

As I stood on the rock edge, looking along the beach, I realised the waterfall sound was coming from below. I peaked over, and there it was. It didn’t look that impressive from here, and I still wasn’t sure if this was even it. So I decided to investigate. 

Looking down and along a rocky beach, enclosed by a green bush covered cliff, on the walk down to Hayburn Wyke.

Walking down to the beach involves some big rocks, but once down, I was able to see the waterfall in all it’s glory, which I now had no doubt was Hayburn Wyke.

Hayburn Wyke waterfall, cascading down the cliffside, and into a pool of water, on the walk along the North York Moors Coast. There are tufts of grass and green plants poking out of the crevices of the cliff.
The Hayburn Wyke Waterfall
Looking along a rocky secluded beach, enclosed by a cliff covered in green leafy plants and trees, on the Hayburn Wyke circular walk.
Hayburn Wyke waterfall cascading down the rocks into a pool of water, partway through the walk along the North Yorks Moors Coast. There are tufts of green leaves and grass poking out of the crevices of the rocks.

It’s not a massive waterfall, but rather, very picturesque. The way it falls down the rock face with green leaves and grass in the crevices, into a pool of water surrounded by big rocks.

I hung around, mesmerised by the beauty of it. Then started to take photos, and set up my tripod to make a video with me in it. At this point the couple arrived, and I felt very embarrassed making my video. They laughed a little and waved. I waved back, then quickly packed my stuff away, pretending I didn’t just do that.

Leave the waterfall to walk up through Hayburn Wyke woods

Once you have finished enjoying the waterfall and rocky beach, walk back up to that bridge, and now cross over it to head back into the Hayburn Wyke woods.

A wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy bushes, and a mass of green bushes and trees on the other side.

Straight after the bridge, you will have lots of rock steps to climb up. 

Rugged rock steps, leading uphill into Hayburn Wyke woods, on the walk away from the waterfall. The steps are surrounded by green leafy bushes, with a wooden handrail to the right.

Then when you reach a junction, take the left onto the less obvious trail. Keep going up along the dirt trail, first under tree cover, and then to a grass opening.

A split in the dirt trail, with grass, and straggly tree trunks in the middle.
Turn left here
A dirt trail almost engulfed by the green grass and leafy plants, when walking up through Hayburn Wyke woods.

Bambi

As I reached the grassy opening, I saw a deer run over the trail and down the hill. Then Bambi showed up. Bambi was standing on my trail, so I stopped and waited for her to run down to her mother. Except she didn’t. She was hopping about and making little screechy noises, calling for her mother. So I went back into the woods, hoping she would either continue down the hill, or her mother would come and get her.

A baby deer standing in the tall grass, under the shadow of the trees, along the Hayburn Wyke circular walk.

Once Bambi got off the trail and started to hop down the hill, I quickly rushed ahead to reach the trees on the other side. Then I turned around and saw Bambi was following me.

I stopped. I couldn’t have her following me, as she might get lost. So I waited. Bambi came closer.  I panicked a little, as I was now fully expecting her to come and brush against my leg like a cat.

When she did turn around and hop down the hill, I quickly rushed ahead so she couldn’t find me again.

The final stretch of woods

If you follow the trail, you will reach a wooden gate to take you fully back into the woods, and along a dirt trail.

The dirt trial leading to a wooden gate, with a yellow arrow on it pointing ahead. The trail and gate are surround by green leafy bushes, with trees on the other side.
A dirt trail through the woods. The trail is surround by green fern leaves.

As I was walking along through the lush woodland, I saw more deer, and little deer, hopping through the trees. It was intense. I haven’t ever seen this many little deer so close. 

When you reach the end, at the river, take the bridge to the left, and up the trail on the other side. It’s all uphill now.

The dirt trail leading tor a wooden bridge under the darkness of the trees, on the walk through Hayburn Wyke Woods.
A dirt trail with tree roots, leading up through the woodland. There are fern leaves poking into the frame on the right.

At the first main junction, take the right. 

Fallen leaf covered trails in the dark woodland.
Turn right here

Then when you reach a main path, turn right, heading towards the steps.

A wide and rugged dirt trail through the dark woods.
This is the right onto the main path
Steps leading uphill, towards the light out of the woods.

Up the steps, over to the right, you should see a big metal gate to lead out of the woods. The gate you actually want is the wooden one which is to the right of it. 

A wooden gate with a green field on the other side.

Walk to the Hayburn Wyke Inn

Out of the woods, follow the path up through the grass, which will lead you to a metal gate. 

A wide trail leading up the grass hill, with masses of woodland ahead.
The path leading to a metal gate. There is a stone wall with overhanging trees to the left, and green bushes to the right.

The building you will see ahead is the Hayburn Wyke Inn, which you walk towards, and then along the right side.

The stone walled Hayburn Wyke Inn on the right, with a seating area to the left of it, near the end of the circular walk. There are rose flowers along parts of the wall.
This is the Hayburn Wyke Inn, looking back

The final stretch if the Hayburn Wyke circular walk

Past the Inn, there is a junction. Right takes you to the Cinder Track, which is mostly under tree cover. Left takes you along the hill fields out in the open. 

A road leading up to the right, and path leading straight to the left, with grass, bushes and trees in between them.

I decided to go right, as it was now almost middy and the sun was fierce. 

To follow the Cinder Track back, go up along the right fork, then turn left through the big wooden gate. This is the Cinder Track. 

Looking along the Cinder track, which is a wide dirt path, leading straight ahead through a tree tunnel. There is an open wooden gate to the left.

It’s all level and easy from here. Mostly under tree cover, with the occasional opening. 

The Cinder Track dirt trail leading straight ahead through a green leafed tree tunnel, near the end of the Hayburn Wyke circular walk.

Keep going for about 1 mile, then when you see the wooden trail sign pointing right for Cloughton, follow it and you will be back on Hood Lane.

The dirt path of the Cinder Track leading ahead, on the left, with a trail signpost on the right side, pointing right, out of the woods. The trial is lined with green bushes and trees.
A path leading down to the road, which is lined with big green leafy bushes.

If you started the Hayburn Wyke walk from Cloughton, don’t go this way. Instead, stay on the Cinder Track, and it will lead you back.

Pin it for later: Easy Hayburn Wyke waterfall walk

Hayburn Wyke waterfall walk guide, along the north Yorkshire coast.
Hayburn Wyke waterfall walk guide, along the north Yorkshire coast.

You can more information about things to do in the area on the North York Moors website.

I like to spend my spare time in the outdoors, and walk a lot all over England. London born and bred, I have previously moved to the South West, and up to Yorkshire, mixed in with some van life, looking for all the best places for hiking.

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2 comments

David Nixon October 26, 2023 - 3:56 pm

Came across your pages when looking for walks and waterfall. Absolutely brilliant.

Keeping our fingers cross the weather breaks and the rain lets up so we can do the Hayburn Wyke waterfall route.

Terrific how the explanation of following the route is coupled with pictures in detail, especially the parking tip at the beginning. Thanks for tip to start the walk in reverse with the pub at the end. Also, the possibility of paying for parking at pup which is refunded if spending £20. So much valuable detail.

Your site is now saved for better weather and new walks to explore.

Reply
zoe tehrani November 15, 2023 - 6:54 am

Hi David, Im really glad you like it. I really love writing the guides, so this makes me super happy to hear. Hope the weather worked out for you! Im struggling right now to do some walks I want to do because of the damn weather. It’s just never ending.

Reply