Scarborough to Whitby (The Cinder Track)

Thanks to Dr. Beeching, who closed the original railway line, and to John Grimshaw of Sustrans who re-opened the 22 mile stretch as National Cycle Network Route 1, we can now enjoy it on two wheels.
Although the path starts and finishes at sea level, it is not flat by any means since the first half climbs steadily from Scarborough to the half way mark at Ravenscar, with a commensurate fall back to sea level at Robin Hood's Bay.
So not an easy ride by any means, especially in view of the surface, which gives rise to the name "The Cinder Track". Cinder is not the best top surface for cycle paths as it suffers from erosion, exposing the substrate below which makes for a bumpy ride.  So not a route for flimsy tyres, and mountain bikes/hybrids are recommended.
In spite of these, not insurmountable problems, it is an exhilarating ride with some great features and spectacular views. If you like great lungs-full of fresh air, this could be the ride for you.

Until we clear the suburbs of Scarborough, the ride is unremarkable, and we lose the sea views, passing through a pleasant pastoral landscape with trees alongside the path sheltering us from the wind.

More gravel than cinders as the path passes between meadowland a few miles inland from the sea.

And emerges here at the village of Burniston and continues on the opposite side. Keep on the pavement and cross at the Toucan Crossing ahead.

As on so many of the National Cycle Network routes there are are several old stations which have been converted into very desirable houses. This one, at Station Lane, Cloughton, has become a tea room, and also offers self catering accommodation.
There is plenty of car parking space in the old Goods Yard

Directly opposite, the path continues through this gate.  Note yet another Sustrans milepost on the right.

                                The path really looks like a railway route on these two shots.

But the long drag uphill must have made the old steam engines puff somewhat. Just like humans on bikes!

As station conversions go this one must be one of the best, and with a garden to die for....

                                      ................ including this superb tree house.

Summer wild flowers alongside the path as we go towards the half way mark.

This is Ravenscar where the path goes along what was once the station platform.

And here the Ravenscar Tearooms.

After a short stretch of road we reach the halfway point going straight on here.

Passing this sign which gives all the mileages.

11 miles from Scarborough and 11 miles to Whitby.

A steep downhill run onto a really bad surface which fortunately has a narrow peice of better tarmac alongside.

                  And a distant view across the water towards. Robin Hood's Bay (marked X).  

                                              The Cleveland Way meets our path here.

                                                            Looking back up the hill.

                                  This is the site of a WW2 radar station.

                                                           With nicer views of the sea.

                                                     But on with the ride now heading for Whitby.

             With reminders that this was once a railway running from Scarborough to Whitby.

                                       We keep left of this unusual church tower

Going straight on here.

Passing this redundant station (Fylingthorpe) and the adjacent car park where there are toilets.

To the higher part of Robin Hoods Bay which is (appropriately) called Upper Bay, and turning right to go down to the sea (Lower Bay).

On our return we come back to this point and go to the left.

The road downhill is precipitous, so walk down if you are at all nervous or have poor brakes.
                                                       You'll be walking back up anyway.

Some amazing houses clinging to the steep sides of the valley here in Robin Hood's Bay, once the haunt of smugglers who could outwit the Excise Men  in tunnels which run beneath and between some of the cottages.

                     The Bay Inn stands alongside the beach and is the finishing point for the Coast to Coast                                               Walk which Alfred Wainwright made famous.

The beach below the Bay Inn.

                     National Trust land between the path and the sea here on our right.

And yet another reclaimed railway station as we near to Whitby, now only 2 miles away.
This is Hawsker Station, where you can not only hire a bike, but buy a new one, get drinks and refreshments, and even take accommodation in one of the beautifully re-fitted railway carriages.
Not only that but the guy who runs this outfit used to live in Littleover and worked for Derbyshire County Council. Just ask for Keith.

You might think that this is just a road with walls on either side, but look over the parapet to see the River Usk 120 feet below. This is Larpool Viaduct, a spectacular brick structure which once carried the railway across the river.  It is a grade 2 listed structure and is reputed to consist of 5 million bricks.

There are two fascinating videos, on YouTube, one with photographs of the construction of the viaduct, Click HERE to view one and HERE2 for the second which has spectacular drone shots of the structure as  it is today.

View of the River Usk looking towards Whitby which lies behind the trees on the left. Whitby Abbey top left marked X.

As we drop down towards river level there is a better view of the Abbey and the (mostly) pleasure
craft alongside the river

                                       Saint Mary's Church stands high on the hill above the town

                                                   And here we are at the beach.

No visit to Whitby is complete without sampling the local fish and chips and the best places to get them is the one with the longest queue outside.  Usually that is the Magpie Cafe beside the harbour.  'Nuff said!

Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated in Staffordshire and within 30 miles of Derby.  It has become a mecca for off-road cyclists with it's multitude of cycle routes which cross the open heathland and penetrate the depths of the forest..
Most of the routes are unsurfaced  and some are only suitable for top level mountain bikers, but others are suitable for less experienced riders.
There are so many possible routes that should we try to detail them all here, you would all have died of chronic boredom long before you had looked at them all, so the intention is to give you an idea of the options for exploring this wonderful landscape.
Firstly, since most of the surfaces are loose gravel and pebbles, mountain bikes are recommended, as is a degree of confidence and experience in bike handling.
Secondly, since there are so many paths and one path looks much like another, it is very easy to get lost here, so have some navigational aids with you.  As a minimum, a large scale map and a compass, but better a GPS set with a "Go To"  back to your starting point. Also a mobile phone is highly desirable in case of emergency.
Although most of your ride will be off-road, there will be times when you have to cross the public highway, so take great care as some cars are driven far too fast on these roads, sometimes colliding with deer who stray onto the road.
An excellent series of free cycling/walking maps is published by Staffordshire County Council and these may be down loaded HERE
Paper copies are available at Tourist Offices.

The following photographs are not in any particular order, but will show what is available.

 Some of the routes are waymarked and start from the Visitor Centre, off Marquis Drive, where there is a car park, cafe, and toilets. Car park charges are reasonable, (£1 for 3 hours / £2 for more) but you can park for free on the adjacent road sides.

                                                      This is the Visitor Centre

                       And this is the sort of surface that you may be faced with in places.

But here on the site of the old RAF station at Hednesford nice tarmac traffic free roads ideal for children and novice cyclists.

Much of Cannock Chase is wooded, and cultivated by the Forestry Commission, who to their credit have gone to great lengths to put in marked cycle routes.

                                           Other parts of the Chase are open heathland

Although most of the area is well drained due to the pebbles and gravel which form the substrate, there are some shallow streams to ford.

                                                  Typical minor hazards and crossing paths.

  And even a few small lakes, such as these at Fairoak Pools, unbelievably once the site of a colliery.

                                      The paths surround the pools, a good place to rest awhile.

                       And a fine place for horse and rider to cool off in the heat of high Summer.

Cannock Chase has been used for military purposes for over 100 years and there is evidence of this in many places.

 The immaculately manicured Military Cemetery, where the remains of people of all nationalities killed on UK soil during two world wars are buried.

The Katyn Memorial nearby recalls Polish people killed on the orders of Stalin during WW2.

Opposite the Katyn Memorial is Spring Slade Lodge, our recommended place for refreshment.
                                                      Behind it is a small camp site.
                                There are several larger camp sites on Cannock Chase.

                                                                  Need we say more?

                              Sit outside in the garden or inside if the weather is not so good.

                     Alongside the path, beside the stream a stretch of fertile grassland.

                     At the Tackeroo Caravan Site a wide path amongst the majestic pine trees.

So to summarise, a fabulous area for cycling off road, with some stunning scenery and lots of interesting historical features to see.
Give it a try and enjoy what the area offers, not only for cycling but walking, bird watching, horse riding, photography and other country pursuits, but remember the map and compass, and don't get lost.