Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay walk

I've been walking the coastal section of the Cleveland Way in stages and I was looking forward to doing this section. We were staying in Whitby for a few days, so we decided to walk to Robin Hood's way and catch the bus back. A mostly bright day with some cloud and barelya breeze, with a falling tide. We started the walk proper at the bottom of the famous 199 steps to Whitby Abbey. The walk ascends slowly until near Hawsker, with some ups and downs on steep ravines, then descends to Robin Hood's Bay. During the walk we're treated to stunning views and some otherworldly landscapes. A bare stack, Saltwick Nab, black, flat-topped rock with a light cover of guano, and peppered with Herring Gulls and Cormorants was one of the best (top shot). The path follows the coast closely, with some light detours when erosion has affected the old path route. The haunting three note begging calls of Guillemot chicks calling their parents on the water are the soundscape.

Looking back towards Whitby at the top of the steps.

Saltwick Nab.

Saltwick Beach. The beach can be accessed by a steep footpath.

Looking back to Saltwich bay, Whitby Abbey in the distance.

A flock of Oystercatchers at roost.

Curlew at roost.

Black Nab. 

Fulmar circling over the clifftop fields.

Whitby Lighthouse. The cottages are now on rent.

A small colony of Kittiwakes between the fog horn and the lighthouse.

One of many styles.

Wall Brown Butterfly.

Common Blue.

You get the feeling of how dry the spring and summer have been. Dry, golden grass.

A group of Bottlenose Dolphins just north of Robin Hood's Bay. We saw dolphins every day from the coast. Apparently, they come close to the coast to feast on mackerel breeding.

Descending to Robin Hood's Way.

Robin Hood's Bay.

We get to Robin Hood's Bay at low tide. A broad expanse of rocks is exposed across the bay. We get a coffee and icecream at the National Trust visitor centre. Afterwards, it's time for a picnic in the beach before getting the bus back to Whitby. It took us four hours to walk this section of about 11 km.