The 14 best walks near Filey to experience

One of the most charming coastal towns in Yorkshire, Filey is a prime UK holiday destination for many reasons. Among them is the fact that it offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. The diverse range of walks near Filey caters to all abilities and preferences.

A young family are walking along a dry dirt path which is situated between rolling green hills on a hot summer's day.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, you’ll find some of the best locations and picturesque settings for your morning, afternoon, or evening strolls around Filey. From dramatic cliff-top paths to serene beach walks, there’s so much to explore on your active trails in this beautiful location. For instance, you could explore the Filey to Scarborough walk, or maybe enjoy the Speeton Sands Circular trail. To help you make the most of your next break away, here are the 14 best walks near Filey that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.

Fantastic walks in the Filey area

Get ready to explore some of the best walks near Filey, that provide a little something for the whole family to enjoy. From scenic coastal walks to more challenging and thrilling trails, here are some of our top picks:

Filey to Scarborough image

Filey to Scarborough

One of the most popular walks near Filey is the scenic route from Filey to Scarborough. This 11-mile coastal walk offers stunning views of the North Sea and takes you through varied landscapes in Yorkshire.

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Starting from Filey’s town centre, you'll follow the Cleveland Way along the scenic coastline, before venturing up the great cliff tops, passing through Cayton Bay, and then reaching Scarborough's South Bay. The path is well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experience the best of Yorkshire's coastline on some scenic walks near Filey.

Also, if you’re setting off on this walk – or any of the great walks near Filey – you can stay at The Bay Filey Holiday Park, less than a 10-minute drive from the town centre.

Cleveland Way image

Cleveland Way

The Cleveland Way is a 109-mile national trail that passes through many great spots in the UK. One section of this walk is a route from Scarborough to Filey. You may tacklethis walk in all its glory, or you may be looking for some simple walks near Filey to enjoy on your break.

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You can choose to hike this small section of the trail, which combines coastal and moorland scenery. The stretch from Scarborough to Filey (mentioned earlier) provides a scenic walk, but you could also tackle the Yorkshire Wolds Way, which is found along this route.

Yorkshire Wolds Way image

Yorkshire Wolds Way

For those looking to explore inland, the Yorkshire Wolds Way offers a different perspective on walks near Filey. This 79-mile national trail is a real beast of a walk, starting in Filey and heading through the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds.

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You may not be looking to take on the entire route, which is fine, because you can simply tackle the first section from Filey to Muston (about six miles). This trail will give you a taste of the region's chalk landscapes and quaint villages.

Bempton Cliffs via Speeton image

Bempton Cliffs via Speeton

This six-mile walk takes you through the renowned Bempton Cliffs reserve. You'll pass through the quaint village of Speeton before reaching the dramatic cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins (seasonally).

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The walk offers a mix of coastal paths and inland tracks, so you’ll have plenty of diverse scenery to discover, along with some great wildlife spotting opportunities. It's one of the more challenging walks near Filey but well worth the effort for any active holidaygoers.

Circular walks around Filey

A great part about embarking on walks near Filey, is that you can explore some of the best parts of Yorkshire on circular routes that take you right back to where you started from. Here are some of the top circular walks around Filey to try:

Filey to Primrose Valley Cliff walk image

Filey to Primrose Valley Cliff walk

The easy Filey to Primrose Valley Cliff walk is around a three-mile circular walk that combines coastal views with a return through the countryside. Starting at Filey, you’ll get to stroll along the beautiful promenade and head south along the Cleveland Way to Primrose Valley. 

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The cliff-top path offers stunning vistas of the coastline – so make sure you pack a camera, since you won’t want to miss these views. On your return, cut inland through fields and quiet lanes, giving you a diverse walking experience. It's one of the more relaxed circular walks near Filey, suitable for most abilities, even the little ones.

Filey Bay loop image

Filey Bay loop

For a classic Filey walk, try the Filey Bay loop. This nine-mile circular route takes you along the pristine beach and across the gorgeous cliff tops, including Lebberston Cliff. This walk offers the best of both worlds – sandy shores and elevated sea views – making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

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It’s also great if you’re looking to stay fairly local to your holiday home in Filey, so you can explore the best of the area without straying too far.

Enjoy the fantastic views and walks at Filey Brigg,

Filey Brigg

Filey Brigg deserves a dedicated mention among walks near Filey. This narrow peninsula jutting out into the North Sea offers a short but spectacular walk. The two-and-a-half-mile return trip takes you to the end of the Brigg, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Filey Bay and the Yorkshire coastline.

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Along your route, you’ll stroll across a mix of sand, stone, and pebbles, so be prepared for the change in terrain. Also, be cautious of tide times and slippery rocks, especially in wet weather.

Filey and Hunmanby Sands image

Filey and Hunmanby Sands

This four-mile circular walk takes you south from Filey along the beach to Hunmanby Gap, then returns via the cliff-top path. It's a great way to experience the expansive sandy beaches that Filey is so well-known for.

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The return leg offers elevated views of the coastline and – for all you bird and animal lovers – a chance to spot various coastal birds in action. This walk is relatively easy, making it suitable for families looking for scenic walks near Filey.

Filey and the Centenary Way image

Filey and the Centenary Way

Another four-mile circular route that combines coastal and inland scenery is the Filey and the Centenary Way walk. Whilst part of a larger 130-mile route, this simple section starts in Filey and heads inland along the Centenary Way, through quiet countryside landscapes.

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The route takes you through farmland and peaceful country lanes before looping back to the coast. This varied walk showcases the diverse landscapes around Filey and is perfect for a tranquil stroll to reconnect with nature.

Carr Naze Viewpoint – Filey Bay loop image

Carr Naze Viewpoint – Filey Bay loop

For a short but rewarding walk, try the Carr Naze Viewpoint loop. This four-mile circular walk takes you to one of the best viewpoints in Filey, where you and the family can marvel at the beautiful sights overlooking this region of Yorkshire.

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You’ll follow the path to Carr Naze, the flat-topped hill at the end of Filey Brigg, and from here, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Filey Bay and the surrounding coastline. Return via the beach for a varied walking experience.

Filey to Cayton Bay image

Filey to Cayton Bay

For one of the longer walks near Filey, try out this 12-mile circular walk from Filey to Cayton Bay. You’ll get to follow the Cleveland Way along the cliff tops, enjoying far-reaching sea views. Then, you can descend to Cayton Bay, a popular spot for surfers.

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And if you’re in no rush, why not stay a while at this scenic beach to soak up the sun and relax with your family? Once you’re ready to head back, you’ll be returning to Filey via a mix of beach and cliff-top paths. This walk offers a good balance of distance and scenery, making it a popular choice for those seeking moderate walks near Filey.

Cayton Bay and Scarborough Coastline image

Cayton Bay and Scarborough Coastline

For a longer adventure, try this 16-mile circular walk that includes Cayton Bay and Scarborough Coastline. You’ll get to explore Scarborough’s scenic outskirts on an exciting walk with your loved ones. 

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Head north along the Cleveland Way, passing Cayton Bay and reaching the southern edge of Scarborough. The return leg takes you through Osgodby and Lebberston, where you’ll get a mix of coastal and rural scenery. This walk is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves while enjoying varied landscapes.

Speeton Sands Circular image

Speeton Sands Circular

The nearly five-mile Speeton Sands Circular walk takes you south from Filey to Speeton Sands and back. Start with a casual stroll along the beach towards Bempton, then climb up to the mighty cliff-top path for your return journey.

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This walk is great if you want a blend of beach walking and elevated coastal views – with the chance to also spot some fascinating seabirds nesting on the cliffs. It's a less crowded option among walks near Filey, perfect for those seeking a bit of solitude.

Hunmanby Sands, Reighton Sands, and more image

Hunmanby Sands, Reighton Sands, and more

For a longer beach walk, try this nine-mile circular route that involves Hunmanby Sands, Reighton Sands, and Speeton Sands. Head south from Filey along the beach, passing Hunmanby Sands and Reighton Sands before reaching Speeton Sands.

The return leg takes you along the cliff-top path, offering contrasting views of the Yorkshire coastline. If you love long stretches of sandy beach and don't mind a more challenging distance, then this walk could be the perfect beach walking experince.

Walks near Filey – FAQs

Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding walks near Filey:

Is there a coastal path from Filey to Scarborough?

Yes, there is a well-maintained coastal path from Filey to Scarborough. This path is part of the larger Cleveland Way National Trail and offers stunning views of the coastline. The walk is approximately 11 miles long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace.

Can you walk on Filey Brigg?

Yes, you can walk on Filey Brigg. It's a popular spot for walks near Filey, including one great circular walk in particular. You’ll get fantastic views of the coastline, but it's important to be aware of tide times and weather conditions, as the Brigg can become inaccessible during high tide or in rough weather.

Can you walk from Primrose Valley to Filey at high tide?

Walking from Primrose Valley to Filey at high tide can be challenging and potentially dangerous along the beach. Therefore, it's recommended to use the cliff-top path, which is part of the Cleveland Way, for a safer alternative when the tide is high. Always check tide times before embarking on coastal walks near Filey.

Can you walk on the beach from Hunmanby Gap to Filey?

Yes, you can walk on the beach from Hunmanby Gap to Filey. This is a popular route among walks near Filey, offering a long stretch of sandy beach to enjoy on your stroll. However, it's important to be aware of tide times before you set out, as parts of the beach may become inaccessible during high tide.

Embark on the most rejuvenating walks near Filey

Filey and its surrounding areas present the perfect variety of walks to suit all preferences and abilities. From short, family-friendly strolls to challenging long-distance hikes, these walks near Filey showcase the best of Yorkshire's coastal and rural landscapes. Whether you're seeking dramatic cliff-top views, golden, sandy beaches, or tranquil countryside, you'll find a walk that suits your mood and fitness level.

Remember to always check weather conditions and tide times before setting out on coastal walks near Filey, and wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Other than that, lace up your walking boots and discover the natural beauty that awaits you on these fantastic walks near Filey.

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