Tucked away in North Yorkshire lies the lively yet tranquil coastal town of Sandsend, adored by holidaymakers and a paradise for ramblers, with this particular route revealing hidden heritage on the way to the shore.

The town is cherished for its sweeping three-mile expanse of peaceful, sandy coastline. This specific trail, guiding you directly onto it, provides picturesque vistas of the surrounding area, with Whitby visible in the distance and several treasures discovered en route.

This ramble comprises part of the renowned Cleveland Way National Trail, which winds through the town, and starts by ascending a flight of steps at the East Row car park.

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The route presents numerous fascinating sights to discover, including remnants of the area's railway heritage, and the stunning Sandsend Ness, which bears a striking resemblance to the moon.

The true highlight of this coastal walk is the derelict train tunnel, which witnessed its final journey in 1958. Since then it has remained entirely abandoned, with just a handful of basic safety measures implemented.

The Sandsendrailwayonce formed part of the Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway, which initially opened in 1883. Part of this line includes the now dilapidated 1,652-yard, single-track tunnel with five sealed shafts, located in Sandsend.

Although the northern entrance partially caved in during 2008, rendering it a hazardous area for passers-by, and the tunnel is deemed too dangerous to venture inside.

The entrances have been bricked up to prevent people from going in, though there's a hatch allowing curious visitors to glimpse into the darkness beyond.

Despite this, some intrepid explorers have managed to find their way in, with clear signs that people have accessed the tunnel.

The southern section of the tunnel is reportedly extremely damp, with floodwater reaching depths of up to six inches, whilst the space between the tunnels has been reclaimed by nature.

Adjacent to the tunnel lies a path that runs beside a waterfall, which cascades beautifully down towards the sea, with rope guides helping visitors navigate the descent.

One walker, writing for the Whitby Guide, likened the experience to "being on pirates or a smuggler's route down to a bay".

For this route, sensible and waterproof footwear is strongly recommended, as the steps can become caked in mud and extremely slippery. Steps carry you across the waterfall before continuing onwards into a bay.

The expansive beach has drawn visitors for generations, all seeking a sense of tranquillity. One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: "A beautiful coast, would highly recommend.

"Lovely atmosphere and views. My children loved it here, its very peaceful and if you love a quiet coastal trip then I would advise visiting here. There are a few pubs, cafes and restaurants too."

Another visitor described it as a "Beautiful stretch of coastline any time of year." They added: "We often visit in the spring/autumn, this was our first time visiting during the summer and it was great to see this beach in all its glory!".

"Lovely calm water for swimming, was great for beating the heat after we had walked the length of the beach."

Dotted along the shoreline are several charming spots where you can grab something to eat and drink, all whilst savouring the fresh sea breeze and listening to the rhythmic sound of waves.

Right at the centre of the beach sits Tides, a welcoming café, alongside Sandside café – both offering the perfect opportunity to take a breather.

Fancy something stronger?

The Hart Inn stands opposite the beach, serving up pints ideal for a sunny afternoon, plus warming pub grub for when the temperature drops.

Following a visit there last summer, one holidaymaker reported: "We sat outside in the front beer garden, it was lovey.

"We found the staff and the locals extremely friendly. I ordered a sandwich and my husband had a burger, which were both delicious. The pub was busy and has a nice atmosphere. We would visit again if in the area."

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