We are delighted to invite you to take part in the Racing Welfare Castle to Abbey Challenge, taking place on Sunday 6th July.

The Castle to Abbey Challenge is a 22-mile guided trek along the coastal Cleveland Way, through the North York Moors National Park, from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey. This undulating coastal route has the equivalent ascent of summiting Snowdon and will take 10-12 hours to complete. 

The Racing Welfare Castle to Abbey Challenge is the perfect team event, but is also open to any individuals who want to take part. There is no limit on team sizes - the more, the merrier! This is a fully guided challenge, led by qualified guides from our event partner Large Outdoors, with no self-navigation required.

Challengers will meet at Whitby Abbey Headland Carpark (YO22 4EH) at 6.30am to register and collect their goody bags, before hopping on a coach to the start at 7am. The walk begins at Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century fortress. From there, the route follows the Cleveland Way, passing North Bay beach huts and heading up to the cliff tops, with fields on one side and seascapes on the other. You'll enter National Trust woodland at Hayburn Wyke, named for its historic hunting enclosures and sea inlet, and featuring a waterfall that tumbles onto a pebble beach.

After a brief pause, you'll continue through the woodland and onto the cliffs, eventually reaching Ravenscar, a hamlet with remnants of Victorian spa town aspirations. Further along, you'll encounter the alum works ruins. The path then descends to Stoupe Beck and Boggle Hole, where the YHA’s Quarterdeck café offers a chance to refuel.

Leaving Boggle Hole, you'll head through woodland and back onto the headland, with fine views leading to Robin Hood’s Bay. The Cleveland Way meanders through cobbled alleyways and snickets in the village, evoking its smuggling history. The final leg passes above Saltwick Bay and heads towards the finish at Whitby Abbey.

Celebrate with Racing Welfare at Whitby Brewery (a 5 minute walk from the car park) or head into town to enjoy Whitby’s famous fish and chips.

Racing Welfare is once again partnering with Large Outdoors, a UK-wide walking group and adventure provider. Their team of expert guides will be on hand before and during the challenge to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

With every step that you take, and every penny you raise, you can be confident that you are actively contributing towards Racing Welfare's services, helping the charity continue to be there for all of racing's people.

All participants must be a minimum 16 years of age on the day of the event, with under 18's accompanied by an adult at all times. All participants must sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form prior to the event if they wish to take part. AoR forms will be emailed to participants for completion.