A Yorkshire Break
Back in August, Dan and I visited family up in Filey for a few days. the weather was sublime so we decided to get outdoors and explore some of what Yorkshire has to offer whilst the sun was shining,
We last came to Filey at Christmas (2018) when a heavy fog had rolled in from the North Sea and transformed the little barren beach into the perfect setting for a crisp Christmas day walk. The sun streamed through the mist creating a hazy morning light and we spent a good while basking in the warm glow whilst our breaths lingered in front of us.
In stark contrast, this short trip delighted us with a very different side to the North Yorkshire coast. Bright sunny days, harsh shadows, a warm breeze and clear blue skies.
Cayton Bay
Nestled in-between Scarborough and Filey lie the sweeping sands of Cayton Bay. The bay is a popular spot for those who also enjoy fossil hunting, bird watching sea swimming or stand up paddle-boarding. We found a spot of free parking on the headland above the bay and made our way down a small gravel path bordered by fields dotted with cows. There was a little blue shack set up on the rocks where you could buy ice lollies, cakes, chips or even a last-minute bucket and spade if you had the right change.
The thing that struck us most about Cayton Bay was how tropical it felt. We don’t often see golden sandy beaches that have lush green trees spilling down the banks, their twisted weatherbeaten branches almost reaching out to touch the waves nearby. It reminded me of scenery you’d expect to find in a Jurassic park story, a fitting reference considering the bay has rock formations from the upper Jurassic period around 150 million years ago.
We scrambled around the rocky escarpment, known as Knipe Point, just enough to reveal a beautiful panoramic view of Cornelian Bay and the resort town of Scarborough beyond (as shown in the first photograph).
Robin Hood’s Bay
Next, we visited the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s steep cobbled streets lined by quaint cottages, their fluctuating shapes and sizes forming a colourful patchwork quilt of exposed brick, painted doors and rendered walls. Each with their own character and each adding to the charm of the village.
Abundant with pubs, BnB’s and cafes, Robin Hood’s Bay is a popular tourist spot during the summer months. We managed to find a little cafe, set into the cliffs, with a magnificent view of the bay below. The husband and wife owners were friendly we enjoyed a chat over lunch whilst their two cocker spaniels raced each other nearby.
Filey Bay & Brigg
Whilst our roast dinner was cooking we took a stroll down to Filey Brigg during golden hour. This is the period of daytime before sunset (sunrise also) where daylight is much softer than when the sun is higher in the sky, thus making it an ideal time for taking photographs. We followed the coastal path along the top of Filey Bay and then down to the end of the peninsula before doubling back on ourselves where we discovered a crowd of locals fishing in the late afternoon sun.
Flamborough Head
Lastly, we drove the twenty-five-minute drive from Filey to Flamborough Head to explore the infamous chalk headland, with sheer white cliffs, sea stacks, natural arches and blowholes. Popular with hikers, geologists and bird watchers, Flamborough is just a stone’s throw away from one of the UK’s most famous RSPB reserves which, boasts a large mainland nesting colony of gannet, puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other seabirds.
“The area is steeped in history, too. Flamborough is a magnet for those who love lighthouses, as there’s not just one, but two – the first, a stately chalk tower, was built in 1669 and, it’s believed, was never lit. It’s now a Grade II listed building, the oldest complete lighthouse structure in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. The ‘new ‘ lighthouse, built in 1806, acts as a waypoint for deep sea vessels and coastal traffic as well as marking Flamborough Head for vessels heading for Scarborough and Bridlington.”
I’m sure there are many more exquisite places to explore along the North Yorkshire coast and over time, and several trips to visit family in the years to come, I hope to discover them. After all, I have seen a lot of the South having lived here for thirty-one years so I’m always excited to travel further afield.