Exciting North Landing – Thornwick – Flamborough Walk

Moderate Difficulty Walk of 4 miles Distance

Choose from two circular walks, both of which start at the picturesque inlet of North Landing.

Details for North Landing – Thornwick – Flamborough Walk

Reference: E12
Circular walk: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk type: Coast and Beach Walks
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map: 301
Car Parking Facility: North Landing or Thornwick Bay
Refreshments: Café and bar in North Landing
Public Conveniences: Flamborough, North Landing

Further information

Features of interest

There has been a lifeboat station protecting the water around the cliffs since 1871 and the boards inside tell of lives saved and lost. Although launching the boat today can still be dangerous, try to picture it not all that long ago when it was an open boat and rowed through the heavy swell, the volunteers clad only in oilskins with a cork life-belt for safety. Although only a few cobbles sail from here today, at one time there were 80. The catch was landed on the beach and auctioned, the buyers giving their own nods and winks. It was then taken up the cliff by donkeys and packed into boxes or barrels before being transported to Hull by train. Many local people still remember this and will always tell you their story. The boats were hauled up the slipway and old photos depict a busy and colourful sight, now sadly gone.
Rock pools are exposed at low tide and are a delight for young children, if not for crabs! Several large caves can be explored but be careful and make sure that you know where your children are. The tide comes in the caves from behind and, as the rocks shelve upwards from the beach, many people are cut off every year. Sadly some people have drowned. It is not advisable to explore the rocks at the western side of the cove as this is where most people get cut off and rock falls occur.
Robin Lythe is mentioned in the book ‘Mary Anerley’, written by R. D. Blackmore of ‘Lorna Doone’ fame. The book tells of smuggling exploits in this part of England, and they are easy to imagine as you view this secluded cove away from the village. Tea, brandy, tobacco, silk and cotton ware all smuggled in at one time. A typical tale is that of a ship moored off the headland signalling that a man on board had died. A coffin was sent out and duly returned. A solemn procession was led through the village, watched over by the preventive men (Customs), and the coffin left overnight for burial the next day. It was buried, but then full of stones instead of……..? Some of the older cottages are said to have hidden cupboards that defied the searches of the Customs men.

Accessibility

The North Landing – Thornwick – Flamborough Walk:– contains some steep slopes.- contains a mixture of stiles, steps and gates.- may involve walking through fields with livestock.- crosses at least one road.- contains surfaces which can be boggy in wet weather.- contains some uneven surfaces.