Danes Dyke to Sewerby Hall & South Landing.
Distance: 5⅓ miles / 8½ kilometers
Time: 2 hours 00 minutes
Grade: Easy
Map: OS Explorer OL27 - North York Moors, Eastern Area
Walk Summary
This is an easy going 5⅓ mile walk and very popular. The walk is effectively two loops, each loop is a short walk on its own. The various areas offer something different, depending on your tastes – flora and fauna of the nature reserves and ancient mixed broadleaf woodlands, or the historic hall with gardens and zoo, or just laze or picnic on the beaches, or maybe forage in the rock pools or hunt for chalk fossils and sponges amongst the Jurassic cliffs.
There are cafes (when they are open) and toilets at Dane’s Dyke car park, Sewerby Hall and South Landing at the Living Seas Centre.
It is worth noting that on hot days, it can be much cooler at the coast, as the wind blows in from the sea.
When visiting or exploring the beach areas, be mindful of the tide times at Danes Dyke and at South Landing. Stay safe avoid problems or disappointment.
The pathways are clearly defined and well marked, the route is flat with the exception of the steep stair cases between the beach areas and cliff top coastal paths which have a hand rails for support. The ascents are moderate and not too strenuous.
The walk starts at the Danes Dyke pay and display car park (£2.90 for the day in 2018). Whilst the 5⅓ miles walk itself takes about 2 hours at a steady pace to complete. However, each area can easily take up at least half a day or a leisurely full day - there is plenty to see and do:
The southern loop (2 miles) to
- Take in the 16th century Georgian grade 1 listed Sewerby Hall with its spectacular settings, the main house offers a glimpse into history as it showcases some impressive collections, or a stroll around its magnificant gardens and zoo, see the website for day pass admission fees.
- Spend time watching a local cricket match.
- Have a picnic and taking in the views.
The northern loop (3 miles) to
- Explore the South Landing Local Nature Reserve.
- Visit to the Living Seas Centre.
- Enjoy a bite to eat and drink at the Scrumdiddlyumptious by the sea.
- Have a picnic and spend some time exploring the chalk cliffs and beach of South Landing (South Landing tidal times).
Staying around Danes Dyke to:
- Forage on the beach in its rock pools or for chalk fossils and sponges.
- Spend time exploring the Danes Dyke Nature Reserve. Danes Dyke is an ancient ditch and bank earthwork that runs through the reserve for 2½ across the whole of the Flamborough Headland, from Dyke Wood in the south to Cat Nab & Noon Nook at the Bempton Cliffs in the north.
This is definitely worth more than just a single visit. The woodland walks on the reserves can be rewarding at any time of the year.
