The Route YC – What's on Your Doorstep?
The Summer Holidays are just about upon us. Holidays abroad for families can sometimes be incredibly expensive, so why not look at something a little closer to home, after all the UK is simply full of amazing visitor attractions and activities.
Staying in the UK should also help the impact of air travel on our environment, help local businesses in particular and boost our economy in these uncertain times.
And what about something off the beaten track, maybe a location or experience you hadn’t thought of before?
The Route YC (Yorkshire Coast) website says “Are you ready to embark on a new adventure? Look no further than Route YC, the ultimate guide to exploring everything that today's Yorkshire Coast has to offer. Whether you prefer cruising along scenic drives and sailing through crystal clear waters or getting your adrenaline pumping with thrilling bike rides and hikes, this old coast is brimming with excitement, just waiting to be discovered.”
Well, this sounds right up our street!
The Scarborough Route
We set off early to reach our first destination, The North Yorkshire Water Park in Wykeham, Scarborough. Originally a location for specialist fishing, 2017 saw the addition of an aqua park and a range of activities suitable for everyone. From kayaking and paddle boarding, zip-lining and climbing to less strenuous activities like cycling or walking. They have a great, dog friendly café; there really is something for everyone.
We tried our hand at paddle boarding for the very first time; take it from us, it’s great fun but definitely not as easy as some people make it look – be prepared to get wet!
North Yorkshire Water Park
Zipline & Climb
Ready for Paddle Boarding
https://www.northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk
We stopped for lunch at Bolli’s Tea Room, a lovely little spot in Wykeham just off the A170 Pickering Road and a good place to stop for a break and to stretch your legs.
I can highly recommend the ploughman’s lunch!
Wykeham Village
Bolli's Tea Room
Ploughman's
https://www.bollistearooms.co.uk
Accommodation for our trip was the East Ayton Lodge B&B, a charming 18th Century country manor house, set in the attractive rural village of East Ayton in the North Yorkshire National Park. It’s a good central location for heading out to the surrounding countryside for hiking, walking, cycling and other activities. Not to mention the wonderful seaside resorts of Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.
https://www.eastaytonlodgehotel.co.uk
A Dip in the North Sea
We were both a bit nervous about our next experience – Coasteering at Thornwick Bay with Scarborough Surf School. The sport of coasteering is a combination of adventure swimming along sea cliffs, exploring gullies, caves and rock formations created by the sea, traversing the lower-level sea cliffs by foot, above deep water and then finally climbing the cliffs to different jumping locations.
Wetsuits help keep you warm and the fully qualified team are always on hand to help and encourage you if you’re feeling nervous, or like me not a very strong swimmer.
It's an exhilarating activity for all age groups and the location is simply stunning with a good chance of seeing the local wildlife too as puffins, razor bills and gulls inhabit the area.
The team also hold surf lessons and paddle boarding and cater for larger groups too so check out their website and YouTube page for a taste of what you can expect.
Special thanks to Harry and Tori for a fabulous morning!
Exploring the Coast
Thornwick Bay
Exhilarated!
https://scarboroughsurfschool.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/@scarboroughsurfschool4127
Lunch was at The Farrier; situated between Scarborough and Filey, the village of Cayton is mentioned in the Domesday book as Caitune and there is no doubt it existed for many years prior to 1066.
For more than 200 years the former cottages on the corner of Church Lane and Main Street have been of service to locals and travellers alike. After a 3-year renovation The Farrier is again welcoming guests with accommodation and a fabulous menu.
They have even been featured in an episode of Channel 4’s “Four in a Bed”.
We had the grilled steak and Yorkshire blue cheese and black truffle egg mayo sandwiches which were both delicious and highly recommended.
Golden Sandy Beaches
We later met up with a friend who lives in the area and spent the afternoon on the 7-mile golden sands beach at Filey, walking up to the café at the Hunmanby Gap. The weather was glorious and perfect for a post lunch stroll, the beach here is without doubt one of the best in the UK.
The Beach at Filey
Catch of the Day
Dinner in the evening was at Café Fish in the centre of Scarborough. What a find this is, the friendly staff made us feel right at home and helped us choose from the extensive sea food menu.
They have a simple philosophy, the best quality fish cooked to order. Being centrally located, the restaurant source the best produce directly from the harbour.
Rachel had the lobster thermidor, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish salmon with chorizo and black pudding, simply delicious.
Catch of the day? Look no further.
Spanish Salmon
Catch of the Day
A Hidden Gem
We had enough time on our last day to take a drive to the Hayburn Wyke Inn, just north of Scarborough. From there we took a walk to the Hayburn Wyke waterfall, a secluded cove between Scarborough and Whitby. With a rocky beach and woodland to discover, this hidden gem is the perfect setting for a picnic or a day of exploration.
Hayburn Wyke Cove
The 20 minute or so walk to the waterfall can be a little muddy and steep in places but generally suitable for most people, it’s well signposted and forms part of the Cleveland Way if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous.
It was a glorious day, so we grabbed a bench in the sun and had a quick bite to eat before heading home.
The Hayburn Wyke Inn
Dog Friendly
Excellent Food
The Route YC covers 6 different routes around the coast but there are many other locations off the beaten track that are well worth exploring. 3 days was just enough as a taster, but we shall certainly be making plans for a longer trip to explore and experience more.
The Route YC website and app will give you and ideas and inspiration to enjoy Yorkshire’s ultimate road trip or, create your own itinerary, be as adventurous and energetic as you want. Soak up the sun on sandy beaches, explore picturesque villages and enjoy fabulous local food.
Many thanks to the Route YC team for the itinerary and opportunity to explore this beautiful part of the UK, and also to the businesses that hosted us on our trip.
https://www.instagram.com/routeyc/
https://www.facebook.com/RouteYC
Mark & Rachel Peru
Free To Be
Follow our Socials @FreeToBe50
All photographs ©Mark Peru
Disclaimer:
Ad/PR #GIFTED
This blog features gifted experiences. We are in no way obligated to review all gifts/ads/pr collaborations in a positive light. We will be 100% honest in our blogs about any accommodation, items or experiences that we are gifted. If we experience something that we wouldn’t recommend to a friend, then you won’t find it in our blog content.
