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Escape The Heat This Weekend With Shaded Spots Along The Yorkshire Coast

Signpost to Mallyan Spout by Ben Sutherland is licensed under CC BY 2.0

With temperatures set to soar over the weekend, and highs of 30° forecast for next week, escaping the heat won’t be easy over the next few days! Route YC, an adventure-filled experience along the Yorkshire Coast, is sharing its best shaded spots to escape this weekend's heatwave – after all, sitting in the sun’s not for everyone!

Route YC spans six unique driving, cycling and walking routes across Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea. There’s an array of beautiful beaches to explore, but for families with young children and older people, finding a quiet, shaded spot could well be a priority this weekend.

So, if like 60% of people who don’t plan to travel abroad in the next three months1, you’d prefer to stay in the UK this summer, here are five gorgeous spots perfect for staying cool and avoiding the crowds.

Hayburn Wyke

Hayburn Wyke Waterfall

Sitting between Scarborough and Whitby, tucked inside a secluded cove, Hayburn Wyke Waterfall is accessible through shaded woodland, down onto a pebble shore. It’s the perfect place to cool down on sunny days; take a picnic and watch the fall cascade onto the rocky beach. Whilst seeking shade, visitors are likely to see plenty of wildlife from roe deer to foxes, and even breeding birds like woodpeckers! Nature lovers, this is the spot for you.

Memorial Gardens

Memorial Gardens, Hornsea

Here, you will find lush green lawns, shaded by trees just a stone’s throw from the beach. Enjoy the cool breeze coming from the seafront or simply sit, relax and watch the world go by. There are plenty of benches (some from the original pier) located in the shade where you can admire the stunning gardens, water features and the modern war memorial which was installed when the gardens were re-designed in 2008.

Old Town Bridlington

Bridlington Old Town Priory Green

Close to eateries and local pubs like The Bull and Sun, and The Star, here you’ll find that much sought after shade. You’re in the thick of the heritage landmarks here too; the awe-inspiring Bridlington Priory, standing proudly since 1113 AD, was once one of England’s leading monasteries. In keeping with the theme of yesteryear, the high street is filled with traditional shops, cafes and restaurants that are nostalgic – perfect to seek shelter in.

Forge Valley Walk by Bernard Bradley is licensed under CC BY SA 2.0

Forge Valley Nature Reserve

If Brits are wanting an activity in the shade, this circular, peaceful walk and cycling route will allow visitors to remain under the tree canopies out of direct sunlight. It’s a fresh and vibrant place for natural flora and wildlife, with a lot of adjoining trails - including a geology trail that takes you through the woods. With plenty of stopping places and information boards along the routes, you can find out more about the area or simply take the opportunity to do some ad-hoc wildlife spotting.

Mallyan Spout by Ben Sutherland is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Mallyan Spout Waterfall and walks

Here provides the opportunity to enjoy the best of sun and shade! If you want to enjoy some sunlight, there are a variety of walks for most levels and accessibility. The cascading waterfall, Mallyan Spout, rises from the springs in the moorland near the picturesque village of Goathland. To reach the waterfall, visitors will descent into the cool wooded valley and embark on the trail.