Old Scarborough to Whitby Railway
Updated: Monday, October 1, 2007
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The Old Railway line runs for 20 miles between Scarborough and Whitby.
Apart from the section through Robin Hood's Bay, and a short stretch on the outskirts of Scarborough, the route is completely off road and suitable along its entire length for walkers, horses and sturdy bicycles. There are places where wheelchairs and dedicated road bikes might find it a bit rough.
The line operated from 1885 to 1965. A brief history can be found :-
http://www.cloughtonstation.co.uk/railway.html
As well as being on Route 1 of the National Cycle Network :-
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
- the route forms part of the Moor to Sea Cycle Route :-
http://www.northsea-cycle.com/
Their web site has plenty of maps and other information and is part of the international North Sea Cycle Route.
Among attractions along the route is the birthplace of the British Chemical industry at the Peak Alum Works :-
http://www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Ravenscar/Industrial-Archaeology/125842/Peak-Alum-Works.htm
- just north of Ravenscar.
Just before the route leaves Scarborough it goes over the Scalby Cut. This drains large parts of the Hackness Estate and was devised by Sir George Cayley :-
http://www.rocassoc.org.uk/open/local_ev/gr23/caley02.htm
- who also built the world's first manned aeroplane.
Robin Hood's Bay was once a den of smugglers.
Whitby is steeped in history, as is Scarborough.
The biggest structure on the route is Larpool Viaduct :-
http://www.railwayramblers.org.uk/photo/02photo.htm
- near Whitby. It is 120 ft high, 915ft long, and stands on 13 arches.
Click here for more information.
