8k Run Scarborough: Scenic Coastal Journey at Runswick Sands

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.4km loop offers a quintessential North Yorkshire running experience, blending the steady gradients of a disused railway line with the rugged beauty of the Cleveland Way coastal path. Starting from Bank Bottom in Runswick Bay, you'll tackle a manageable 93m of ascent as you head inland toward Kettleness. The first half is largely paved and flat, perfect for finding a rhythmic tempo, before the route transitions into a spectacular technical trail section along the cliff tops. Runners can expect breathtaking views of the North Sea and the golden sweep of Runswick Sands, with a mix of firm paths and potentially muddy coastal tracks depending on the season.

Runswick Bay is steeped in maritime history and was once a thriving fishing village known for its "cobles" (traditional North Sea fishing boats). The inland portion of your run follows the trackbed of the former Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway, which closed in 1958 and now serves as a serene green corridor for local athletes. As you return via the cliffs, you’ll be running through part of the North York Moors National Park, passing areas where alum mining was once a major industry. Keep an eye out for the distinctive white-washed cottages of the village, which replaced the original settlement after a massive landslip in 1682.