Walk on the wild side
Route YC is the perfect destination to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature. Walk, cycle, ride and drive through breath-taking natural landscapes to discover the region’s diverse and rich ecosystem, teeming with fascinating wildlife. Keep reading to find out what you might spot while on your travels around the Yorkshire coast!
Puffins & seabirds
The Yorkshire Coast is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. Along the cliffs and shorelines, you can spot seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes nesting in the cliffs. Estuaries and marshlands provide habitat for wading birds like curlews, oystercatchers, and various species of ducks.
Our majestic little puffins can be spotted along the rugged Yorkshire shore between April and July. One of the best places to spot puffins in the UK is Flamborough Head and the Flamborough Cliffs.
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Marine life
Seal colonies can be found basking on rocky outcrops, particularly around the Flamborough Head area. Dolphins and porpoises are occasionally spotted offshore, and during certain times of the year, whales may pass through as they migrate. Find out what we’re doing to protect our marine and wildlife.
Rockpooling can be a great activity with the little ones. At low tide, rocky shores reveal a hidden world of marine life in rockpools and intertidal zones. Discover a variety of creatures such as crabs, starfish, anemones, and small fish.
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Woodland wildlife
Head slightly inland and you’ll discover a world of ancient woodlands and nature reserves. Revel at the region’s natural beauty as you wonder through woodlands covered in bluebells and wild garlic.
In many of the nature reserves around Route YC, you may spot red squirrels, roe deer and lots of native birds. Many of our new touring and gravel cycle routes take in woodland trails and nature reserves.
Top locations for wildlife spotting:
Spurn Point Nature Reserve, Withernsea Route
Falling Foss, Whitby Route
Danes Dyke, Bridlington Route
Filey Brigg Country Park, Filey Route
Hornsea Mere, Hornsea Route
Forge Valley Nature Reserve, Scarborough Route
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Exploring the nature and wildlife of the Yorkshire Coast offers a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, providing opportunities to connect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty and diversity. The nature and wildlife around Route YC affords photographers plenty of opportunities to snap a great picture – be sure to tag us in any you post on social media! 📸