The best walks and hikes around Filey

Filey offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 50 routes recorded on komoot. These trails range from easy strolls along the beach to more challenging long-distance coastal paths and inland explorations.

Yes, Filey has plenty of easy trails perfect for beginners and families. Over half of the routes are rated as easy. Consider the Filey Bay Beach – Filey Beach loop from Filey Bay Pharmacy, which is a moderate 6.4-mile walk along sandy beaches. The Filey Dams Nature Reserve also provides easy walking routes with boardwalks, ideal for a gentle outing.

Filey offers several excellent circular walks. A popular choice is the Filey Brigg & Lebberston Cliff loop from Filey, a 10.1-mile route offering panoramic sea views. Another option is the classic nine-mile Filey Bay Loop, which combines beach and cliff-top walking, including Lebberston Cliff.

For those seeking a challenge, Filey is a key point on two National Trails: the Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way. You can tackle sections of these long-distance routes, such as the 11-mile coastal stretch of the Cleveland Way from Filey to Scarborough. A particularly difficult route recorded on komoot is the View of Lebberston Cliff – View of South Bay, Scarborough loop from Filey, an 18.3-mile path with significant elevation changes.

Hiking around Filey offers dramatic coastal scenery. You'll encounter Filey Brigg, a significant rocky promontory and SSSI, offering geological interest and seabird spotting. The extensive sandy beaches of Filey Bay, including Hunmanby Sands, provide beautiful stretches for walking. Cliff-top paths, such as those near Lebberston Cliff and Carr Naze, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea. Don't miss the Carr Naze Viewpoint for stunning vistas.

Many of Filey's coastal and inland paths are suitable for dogs, though it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near cliff edges, livestock, or nesting birds. The expansive beaches often have seasonal restrictions for dogs, so check local signage. The Filey Brigg walk and the inland sections of the Yorkshire Wolds offer good options for walks with your canine companion.

Beyond the natural beauty, hikers can explore several landmarks. The Yorkshire Wolds Way End Monument offers great views over Filey and the bay. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve is a must-visit, home to nearly half a million seabirds. You can also explore the charming fishing village atmosphere at Cobble Landing and the Victorian seafront promenade.

The hiking trails in Filey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from the dramatic cliff tops and expansive sandy beaches to the tranquil inland paths. The well-maintained National Trails and the variety of routes catering to all abilities are also commonly highlighted.

Filey is well-connected by public transport. Filey train station provides access to the town, making it a convenient starting point for many coastal and inland walks. Local bus services also operate in the area, which can be useful for accessing different sections of the longer trails or for returning to Filey after a one-way hike.

Filey offers several parking options, particularly near the town center and along the seafront. Car parks are available close to Filey Brigg and Filey Country Park, which serve as popular starting points for many coastal walks. For inland routes, look for designated parking areas in villages or near trailheads. Always check for parking restrictions and fees.

Filey offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with the added beauty of wildflowers or autumnal colors. Summer is ideal for beach walks and enjoying the longer daylight hours, though coastal paths can be busier. Winter walks offer dramatic, rugged scenery, but be prepared for colder weather and potentially muddy conditions on inland trails.

While specific routes with integrated pub stops aren't detailed in the guide, many trails around Filey pass through or near charming villages and the town itself, where you can find pubs and cafes. The Filey to Hunmanby Sands walk, for example, brings you close to Hunmanby Gap, which often has facilities. Exploring the Yorkshire Wolds Way inland also leads through villages with local amenities.