Leaving the coach at Mickleby Hole (junction of A 174 & B 1266), we found a narrow path through some shrubs and joined a good wide track heading NE.  After a short while, I realised that the correct route was about 10 yds to our right but with a fence and shrubs in between.  We therefore backtracked until we found a gap which enabled us to take the correct path which continued NE via a stream and then across a field to Westfields Farm.  The approach to the farm was rather muddy but we circumvented the mud and after passing through the farm continued NE to the disused railway line.  By this time, the sun was shining and there were few clouds so we sat next to a road tunnel and enjoyed a coffee stop. 

After coffee, the route continued to follow the old railway track which looped around towards the cliff top.  Here we had great views of Runswick Bay and numerous gorse bushes in full bloom.  The railway track then headed in an easterly direction to Kettleness where we left the track and joined the Cleveland Way/English Coastal Path.  This headed along the cliff tops from where we had great views of this part of the Yorkshire coast.  The path then headed S and then SE giving us a different view of the coastline.  Most of the path was on a short grassy surface which made for easy walking.  At Ovalgate Cliff we stopped on the grassy track for our lunch in glorious warm sunshine.  Eventually as we approached Sandsend, the path descended towards the sea and we headed to the mouth of the Sandsend Beck.  On the promenade beside the beck there is an icecream shop but unfortunately on this occasion it was closed.  However we had a short stop, took on some liquid refreshment and finished any food that was left in our rucksacks.   

We then continued SE along the sands although it should be noted that the sands are now currently more shingle and stones, in common with many other east coast beaches following the winter storms.  Along the beach we were joined by Dave & Rob’s group until we reached the point where we had to clamber over rocks up onto a slipway.  At this point R & D’s group proceed up to the road while we took a path above the sands which were now barely visible due to the incoming tide.   The path brought us onto  a minor road which took us into Whitby where we descended to the river and headed upstream to the coach park.  On our way into Whitby we had passed a good number of Goths as Whitby was celebrating its annual Goth weekend.  The surprise for me was that while there were some younger Goths, many were as old, if not older, than our group, in fact one lady was using a zimmer.  Suffice to say that Wetherspoons was full of Goths.

A good walk in glorious sunshine with some excellent scenery.