Birding The Cleveland Way – Robin Hoods Bay to Long Nab

Tue 31st Dec, 2024

Birding the Cleveland Way

Growing up on the northern edge of the North York Moors National Park, Richard has always wanted to walk the entire length of the Cleveland Way, to explore the landscape, birds and wildlife along this fabulous National Trail. His plan is to walk a different section every month over the course of 2024 and write a blog in the process. Joining him on these leisurely walks is artist Jo Ruth.

With so much to see and short winter days we decided to complete this stretch over two dates. The first was a glorious walk on Christmas day between Robin Hoods Bay and Ravenscar. The second a longer walk on the 29th December from Ravenscar to Long Nab.

Looking north across Robin Hoods Bay - 25 December 2024 © Richard Baines

On these crisp and windy days, the sounds of nature soon dominated our walk. As we walked south from Boggle Hole I could hear the piping calls of the Eurasian Oystercatchers. A large flock of 50 and one Eurasian Curlew were feeding on invertebrates, almost certainly earthworms in a pasture field. This was a colourful sight to see as the black and whites lit up the green.

Starlings feeding with Curlew - 25 December 2024 © Richard Baines

In the same field was a flock of 20 Common Starlings. I watched the starlings feeding and soon realised they were following small groups of Oystercatchers. After the waders dug up food from the mole hills the Starlings moved in for the scraps. They were benefiting from the Oystercatchers and were clever enough to see this opportunity. This sighting reminded me of the many times I see Starlings in fields of waders, especially larger species such as Oystercatchers and Curlews.

Looking south at Ravenscar - 25 December 2024 © Richard Baines

The huge cliffs of Ravenscar rise 200m above the sea and dominated the landscape on our walk south from the tranquillity of Robin Hoods Bay.

Atlantic Grey Seals Ravenscar - 29 December 2024 © Richard Baines

It wasn’t long before we saw our first Atlantic Grey Seals swimming offshore. With so many around our coast its easy to forget that this is one of the rarest of seals in a global context. The UK holds around 40% of all the worlds Atlantic Grey Seals, we are not only fortunate but also have a responsibility for their conservation. Ravenscar is one of two main breeding sites on the Yorkshire coast, the other being Flamborough Headland.

Atlantic Grey Seals on the Farne Islands © Richard Baines

In early winter female Grey Seals start to pup. Once born the young seals are totally dependant on their mothers for milk and remain on dry land for several weeks. To read more about Grey Seals see the marine code of conduct website Click Here.

Atlantic Grey Seals hauled out at Ravenscar - 29 December 2024 © Richard Baines

Even from the highest parts of the cliffs at Ravenscar we could hear the begging cry of the pups. The eery high pitch sound carried on the breeze and mingled with bird sounds.

Eurasian Bullfinch (male) © Richard Baines

I closed my eyes near the old Alum Works at Low Peak and concentrated on taking in every natural sound I could hear. From the edge of the woodland: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Wrens, European Robins, Common Blackbird and the soft sound of Eurasian Bullfinches. From the beach below me: Oystercatcher, Curlew and the sound of the Grey Seals. Then from above me I heard the guttural call of two Northern Ravens. The wild sounds of wood, cliff and coast was a real thrill to experience.

I was particularly excited to hear and see the Ravens. During the past ten years these fabulous birds have increased in numbers throughout England and have now recolonised traditional sites such as Ravenscar. They once suffered the same fate as many birds in the early part of the 20th century, shot and eradicated from large parts of our country.

The old Radar Station south of Ravenscar © Richard Baines

Walking south from Ravenhall Hotel the trail follows the cliff edge above an impressive view of the sea. A derelict World War II Radar Station dominates the scene above Blea Wyke Point with a fascinating board giving information on the importance of this watchpoint. Just south of this area the undercliff is named Beast Cliff, a very appropriate moniker!

Birch, Hazel and Holly on the path to Hayburn Wyke © Richard Baines

After the huge cliff of Ravenscar, the trail slowly drops down into Hayburn Wyke. Ancient woodland covers the edge of the cliff by the path. Old and gnarled trees of Holly, Oak, Hazel and Birch create wonderful shapes and provided us with much needed shelter after the wild open cliff top. As we walked through the beautiful woods I remembered with fondness the many ancient woodland flowers of early spring. By the beach waterfall in Hayburn Wyke we found two Grey Wagtails feeding by the stream.

Looking south towards Long Nab © Richard Baines

From Hayburn Wyke to Long Nab the cliff top path follows a lower gradient which brought us closer to the beach making it easier to pick out seabirds. It was great to see a Northern Fulmar and three Red-throated Divers on the waves. A small flock of Eurasian Skylarks were feeding on seed in a stubble field by the path. A day after our walk a flock of 20 Snow Buntings were found here. This is a traditional site for these wonderful birds but they can be tricky to see amongst the large arable fields. The best way to find them is to listen for their delicate bell like rattle calls. Sound is the key which unlocks many a great bird sighting.

© Richard Baines, Yorkshire Coast Nature