DISCOVER THE COAST
A summer of sport looms with the Euro 2024 and the Summer Olympics in Paris just around the corner – be inspired by our superb athletes to get out there and enjoy all the brilliant sporting opportunities on offer
Here on the Yorkshire coast, we can’t talk about sports without looking first to the water. Whether you like to be on it, in it, or even under it, there’s something to suit you.
Surfing is growing in popularity on this coast – whatever the time of year or weather, you’re almost guaranteed to see a few dark shapes bobbing about in the seas off Scarborough, Whitby and Filey, and places in between.
Those in the know recommend Cayton Bay, just south of Scarborough, as a prime location: its exposed position creates swell and a wide range of waves for all levels. And when the sea is calmer, it’s also a great place to try a bit of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP).
Head to beautiful Filey Bay, often voted as having one of the best (and, as it happens, longest) beaches in the country, for more SUP, kayaking and coasteering. The latter is a relatively new activity, pioneered on the craggy coasts of Wales, and involves, says the National Coasteering Charter (yes, there is one!): ‘Exploring and journeying through the impact zone between the levels of high and low, often including total immersion in seawater.’ The name is a conflation of the words ‘coast’ and ‘mountaineering’ – you get the picture!
And, of course, we’re not short of more traditional watersports around here. There are plenty of opportunities for sailing up and down the coast, but if you’re not confident of your sea legs, get your saltwater kicks at the annual Whitby Regatta. With a history going back over 180 years, this venerable event is one of the oldest sea regattas on the north-east coast, and a real red letter weekend in the town’s calendar.
There are sailing and rowing races, a sail-past and a lifeboat launch, and plenty of non-maritime stuff to do if you’re the only sea dog in the family. This year’s Whitby Regatta takes place from August 17-19, so just in time if you’re already missing all the Olympic sporting action.
Happier on terra firma? On your bike, then – there are plenty of great cycling opportunities on this coast, including Sustrans National Cycle Route 1, which includes sections from Middlesbrough to Whitby, and then Whitby to Scarborough, taking in some of the county’s finest scenery.
Still on two wheels – but with a bit more power this time – Scarborough’s Oliver’s Mount road-racing circuit is known as a ‘miniature TT by the sea’ and is England’s only natural road-race track. The challenging co
