Walk where dinosaurs roamed!
WALK where dinosaurs once trod when you embark on this coastal route from Burniston Wyke to Scalby Ness.
Rocky beaches and cliffs show part of a series of sandstones and shales all topped with clay that was deposited during the Ice Ages.
It's strange to think that this rock was being formed as sediments on riverbeds and sea beds at the time when dinosaurs were around, yet I was shown (around 1960), by a geologist, a large footprint up to 60cm across at low tide in Burniston Wyke. Plant fossils can also be found near Scalby Ness and Cloughton Wyke.
The starting point of this walk is from a small car park at Crook Ness which is accessed only by private transport from the Three Jolly Sailors in Burniston near the road junction of the A171 and the A165.
Here, turn off right along Rocks Lane adjacent to the inn, and follow this rural lane beneath the railway bridge along Field Lane and towards kennels at Cliff Top where you elbow sharply right to Crook Ness car park which will accommodate about ten vehicles.
Leaving the car park continue down the firm path, ignoring a gate on the right and signs to the Cleveland Way. Passing an information board which you may like to read to your right, follow the narrow path down to the sea, with the beck tumbling in small waterfalls immediately beyond the safety fencing.
Then, descending several railed steps negotiate the rocky shore. Turn right to head south towards Scalby Ness Rocks near Scalby Mills. The first section is very rocky with boulders at the foot of the cliff and a couple of small streams of fresh water to cross which are not a problem.
Rounding Cromer Point and Sailor's Grave a firm level beach is accessed, and at low tide one can reach Scalby Ness Rocks and possibly search for fossils or record birds feeding at Scalby Mills where Scalby Beck enters the sea.
From the footbridge one may ascend steps onto the cliff top and return to Crook Ness along the spectacular Cleveland Way. Alternatively, retrace your steps and head northwards for a complete contrast of view.
One moment you face the imposing silhouette of Scarborough Castle on the skyline, and about-turn you have the gleaming white coastguard station seen just north of your starting point. Take time to explore the interesting rock formations and coloured pebbles, examine the seaweed and listen to the calls of seabirds as you return.
Ensure you check the times of high tides, and aim for a good low tide midway between the two. It takes about 6 hours each way for the tide to rise and fall. Don't get cut off ! Enjoy your stroll, which may be as long or short as you wish. You will meet very few people and dogs will love it!
Distance: 4.25 miles approximately to return along beach, or cliff-top.
Refreshment: The Three Jolly Sailors in Burniston or Scalby Mills Hotel near Scalby Mills footbridge.
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Weather for Scarborough
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
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