May Beck and Falling Foss
The weather's picking up - the sun has been shining and it's even felt slightly warm, which isn't a bad start to the year for this stretch of North Sea coastline.
There are so many wonderful locations to visit within a short drive of Aislaby Lodge Cottages, our guests are spoiled for choice. But one of our favourites, and somewhere we find ourselves visiting and recommending time and again, is May Beck and Falling Foss.
Nestled in an area of wonderfully natural woodland, just a few miles from Whitby, Falling Foss is the name of a dramatic waterfall. It's a stunning location, and the perfect place for a picnic and a walk in the wild.
One of our favourite routes is to park in May Beck car park - signposted from the B1416 between Ruswarp and the A171 Whitby to Scarborough Road. Pass through the red gates and over the cattle grid and wind your way down past the farm, over the Beck and into the car park. There's usually plenty of space out of season - though can be very popular on a warm summer's day.
Cross back over the bridge and turn left, following the stream. You'll find yourself on a footpath which follows the Beck through the woodland. The path varies from wide and open, to narrow and rocky, with a few steep ascents and descents on the way. It's perfectly accessible to most, but not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
There are a few fallen trees on the route, and the occasional rope swing, which make it a fantastic adventure playground for any younger (and older!) members of your group.
Walking from May Beck to Falling Foss takes around 30 minutes at a (very) steady pace. You'll find yourselves weaving between the trees, stopping to enjoy the scenery, looking for fish in the Beck and playing hide and seek.
No matter how long it takes, it's always worth the effort. As you arrive at Falling Foss you'll see the large pool, great for cooling off on a hot day, and Midge Hall before you. Midge Hall was derelict for years, but has been renovated and run as a successful tea garden for a number of years.
Falling Foss Tea Garden is a small but enchanting tea garden set in the grounds of Midge Hall, a tiny cottage which nestles at the top of the beautiful Falling Foss waterfall.
Falling Foss Tea Garden is the perfect place to relax and unwind, enjoy a light lunch, a sumptuous cream tea or perhaps just an ice cream.
For many years this natural beauty spot has been a favourite for children. Let there imagination run wild in the forest, build a den out of bracken & sticks, perhaps visit the Hermitage - a unique cave carved out of stone (just 10 minutes walk from the waterfall) or relax with a cup of tea while the children enjoy paddling in the beck and playing pooh sticks on the footbridge.
The tea garden is open seasonally April - September (10.30 - 4.00pm). Subject to change in bad weather - check their Facebook page or call/text 07723 477929 for current opening times.
The tea garden provides plenty of seating, much of which is under cover - great if you get caught in a rain shower!
When you're ready, head back along the footpath to May Beck, or send a runner and have them meet you with the car in Falling Foss car park, which is just a short walk up the hill from the tea garden.
Next time you're visiting the Whitby area, make sure you make time for tea at Falling Foss.