Whitby to Ruswarp Circular Walk
This pleasant circular trail explores the area to the south of Whitby. On the way there's lovely views of the Esk Estuary and the heritage steam trains running along the Esk Valley Railway.
Starting at Whitby train station you pick up the Esk Valley Walk and follow it south past Fishburn Park and Boghall towards the neighbouring village of Ruswarp. The route follows the opening section of the Esk Valley Railway which runs heritage trains through the North York Moors to Middlesbrough. In the village of Ruswarp you'll find an old station on the line and a 120ft high viaduct, which was built to carry the now closed Scarborough to Whitby railway line. Known as the Larpool Viaduct it is now owned by Sustrans and carries the Cinder Track, a shared cycling and walking trail runnning to Robin Hood's Bay. In Ruswarp you'll also find an old church, a good range of shops and a local pub.
After exploring the village you then cross the railway line to follow country lanes round to the viaduct. You can then cross back to the other side while enjoying fine views over the countryside from the impressive structure. The route then retraces its steps back into Whitby.
Whitby to Ruswarp Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Whitby to Ruswarp Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Whitby to Ruswarp Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Whitby to Ruswarp Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the route you could stop off for some refreshments at The Bridge Inn in Ruswarp. The pub has a lovely garden area by the river where you can sit and watch the trains go by. It's a splendid place to relax with a drink on warmer days. They also do very good food and have a fine selection of ales. You can find them on the High Street at a postcode of YO21 1NJ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The trails are a nice one to do with your dog and the The Bridge Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To extend the walk you can continue along the Esk Valley Walk to the nearby village of Sleights. See the Sleights to Whitby Walk for more details. In Whitby you can visit the historic abbey and pick up the epic Cleveland Way. The waymarked trail will take you along the North York Moors coast visiting several of the local highlights.
For more walking ideas in the area see the North York Moors Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
River Esk near Whitby Taken from the railway bridge - now a footpath and cycle track- interesting view of a ramshackle boat yard.
Larpool Viaduct over the River Esk between Whitby and Ruswarp. The impressive 13 arch structure was built in 1882 to carry the Scarborough & Whitby Railway over the River Esk.
River Esk and Ruswarp Bridge. The village of Ruswarp is on the far bank with the tower of St. Bartholomew's church prominent.
Railway by the River Esk. The railway engineers used the gentle gradients of the river to overcome the hilliness of the local terrain. This image from high up near the A171 road bridge is rich in detail. Many yachts are still out of the water prior to summer outings. Pantile rooftops are typical in this area. The ruined abbey stands on the skyline.
View south along High Street, Ruswarp, North Yorkshire. The Post Office is on the left and the tower of St Bartholomew's parish church is ahead.
Ruswarp Station. The station house and ticket office are now private residences.
Rowing boats, River Esk near Ruswarp
Footpath to Ruswarp. This paved way must be an ancient route between Ruswarp and Whitby. Here looking back to Ruswarp with St. Bartholomew's tower rising above the village.