Racing Welfare Castle to Abbey Challenge
Thu 01 May 2025
The Racing Welfare Castle to Abbey Challenge which takes place on Sunday 6th July is now live. This epic adventure, tackles 22 miles of Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, along the stunning Cleveland Way National Trail including over 1,000 metres of ascent, comparable to climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Entry if FREE for Racing Welfare staff. Simply use the code: RWSTAFF when you follow the link below:
SIGN UP HERE
Expect lots of ascents and descents, steep sections, and plenty of steps. Along the way, you'll enjoy the chance to glimpse dolphins, seals, and birdlife, walk through wooded glades and along rugged clifftops, and pass through iconic fishing villages like Robin Hood’s Bay in the North York Moors National Park.
Challengers will meet at Whitby Abbey Headland Carpark (YO22 4EH) at 6.30am to register and collect their goody bags, before hopping on a coach to the start at 7am. The walk begins at Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century fortress. From there, the route follows the Cleveland Way, passing North Bay beach huts and heading up to the cliff tops, with fields on one side and seascapes on the other. You'll enter National Trust woodland at Hayburn Wyke, named for its historic hunting enclosures and sea inlet, and featuring a waterfall that tumbles onto a pebble beach.
After a brief pause, you'll continue through the woodland and onto the cliffs, eventually reaching Ravenscar, a hamlet with remnants of Victorian spa town aspirations. Further along, you'll encounter the alum works ruins. The path then descends to Stoupe Beck and Boggle Hole, where the YHA’s Quarterdeck café offers a chance to refuel. Leaving Boggle Hole, you'll head through woodland and back onto the headland, with fine views leading to Robin Hood’s Bay. The Cleveland Way meanders through cobbled alleyways and snickets in the village, evoking its smuggling history. The final leg passes above Saltwick Bay and heads towards the finish at Whitby Abbey.
Celebrate with everyone at Whitby Brewery (a 5-minute walk from the car park) or head into town to enjoy Whitby’s famous fish and chips.
Racing Welfare is once again partnering with Large Outdoors, a UK-wide walking group and adventure provider. Their team of expert guides will be on hand before and during the challenge to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Entry Fee: £39pp (free for staff)
Minimum Sponsorship: £300pp
Experience Type: Day Experience
Distance: Approx. 22 miles (35.4km)
Duration: Most groups complete this walk in 10-12 hours
Level: Tough (Walking) - see Large Outdoors Experience Levels here
Age: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by their parent/guardian throughout)
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Parking: Whitby Abbey Headland Car Park is chargeable £10 per 24 hours
Please share this event with your friends and family. There is no limit to numbers. Entries close on Friday 20th June. Let me know if you have any questions. I hope to see you there!