I don’t know about you but I have missed travelling so much! So before my partner goes back to work, we decided to get in a little mini break. With the weather in the UK being so unpredictable, we usually find somewhere with a bit of guaranteed sun but after this trip, I think we’ll be doing a lot more in our home country.
Cliff House Farm Cottages
Nestled in the hamlet of Iburndale, Cliff House Farm Cottages is the perfect accommodation if you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax but still within walking and driving distance of activities. Just a 15minute drive to Whitby Beach, and right in the heart of the North York Moors, the cottages boost direct access to the National Park through the gate at the back of the garden. Being dog friendly and having an enclosed garden made it the perfect choice, and Robbie enjoyed himself just as much as we did.
From £120.00 per night, self catering.
Eskdale
A 10minute walk will take you to Eskdale where you’ll find the local Fish-n-Chips as well as The Plough pub with a quaint pub garden (due to COVID restrictions, we were unable to go inside). A little further down, you’ll find Botham’s Bakery and it’s definitely worth a visit. Get there by 9am for freshly delivered bread and pastries and they have lots of edible gifts to take home to friends and family (or if you’re like me, just for yourself).
Whitby Beach
It’s a bit of a steep walk down but we lost track of time just strolling along the shore. The sand is perfect to walk along barefoot but sturdy enough for shoes if that’s not your thing. Want to take your furry friend? You’ll just need to walk to the end of the beach huts (huts on your left) but there’s still plenty of beach left to walk. Head back south and you’ll find the Whitby Harbour West Lighthouse and just across the bridge you’ll find Whitby Abbey. Make sure you book the Abbey in advance. Unfortunately we didn’t do this so we missed out going inside but it was still lovely to see from afar.
Levisham Moor, Hole of Horcum and Skeleton Tower
5 miles of breathtaking views, this one is not to be missed. Surrounded by heather and with a gentle incline it was a good way to ease us in. Follow the trail all the way down to the first signpost and either bare left to carry on the route or turn right and head to Skelton Tower where you can enjoy lunch with a view. Get the timing right and you may see the Steam Train come through. It may add 2 miles on to your walk but completely worth it!
Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole
Slightly shorter but just as beautiful was the 3 mile Mallyan Spout circular route. As you step off the road through the location of Heartbeat, it’s a deep dive into the valley below. The sound of running water was so peaceful and with a little bit of rambling, you’ll find the waterfall in all its glory. The route back is a little steep but fenced off so there’s somewhere to hold on if needed. Turn right at the cottage and you’ll be surrounded by wild garlic as you make your way back. We turned right to go back up to the green where you can find a little gift shop.
You can find information and walking guides on the North York Moors website. Find the walk that best suits you and under ‘Walk Info’ download their free guide. You can either print it off to keep in your pocket or, save paper and download it straight to your phone.
I enjoyed this staycation so much more than I thought I would. I am very much a sun, sea and sangria type of person. But getting away from my current (weird) routine and into nature was just what I needed right now. If you’re thinking about a staycation, do it!
Roisin McBride 
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