The Plough at Scalby, North Yorkshire: hotel review

The one thing missing from this stretch of Yorkshire coast has been a good place to stay. This refurbished pub has rectified that, and is a boon for walkers

The stretch of coast between Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay must be one of England’s finest. And yet, despite those two places seeing plenty of visitors, this leg of the coastal path certainly isn’t overly busy. Why? It’s not for lack of loveliness: there’s the bay at Hayburn Wyke, plus geological marvels and endless big vistas from the rollercoaster of a path. It was only when I tried to plan a multi-day walk up the coast that I understood: there is very little accommodation to choose from.

So, when I reach the recently refurbished Plough at Scalby, I am excited. Scalby is only a couple miles north of Scarborough, but that means I can have an early breakfast and be on the beach at Burniston, examining the famous dinosaur footprints, as the sun rises over the North Sea. From there, I will yomp north up the Cleveland Way coastal path to Robin Hood’s Bay, 13 miles away – a decent stretch for a relatively short winter’s day.