Im walking part of the cleveland way soon and read in a guide book that the path goes along the beach at runswick bay which cant be passed at high tide. Also it says that there is no alternative route. Does anyone know if this is true and for how long it is impassable?

I've done the Cleveland Way a few times and never had a problem with high tides, guess I've been lucky.

But, according to Paddy Dillion's Cleveland Way guide book, that if the tide is in, is retire to the pub at the top of the bank and spend 1 or 2 hours in there until tide go's back out. But, another guide book by Malcolm Boyes, said the beach between Runswick Bay and Hob Holes, is one of the few places where it is possible to walk safely along the beach at high tide.

One alternative route is, head up the lane from the pub towards the A174 and turn left for a 1/3 of a mile, to GR:800 144, look for a public right of way, that will take you to Coverdale Lane, now head for Westfields farm, another path will bring you to the disused railway line and back to the Cleveland Way @ GR: 821 153.

But, can't see it being a real problem. Anyway, you have 2 choices, either the pub or alternative route.

The official route does indeed follow the sand to just beyond the yacht club clubhouse. There is a notice just outside the buildings there telling you to continue south along the sand and not go up at that point.

There is seldom a problem with the tides as often they do not cover all the sand, but check the tide tables beforehand so you are not walking south on a high rising tide. You are on the sand for less than half an hour. If the tide is in the route is usually blocked for a short time and, as Flatlands correctly points out, you are better off waiting in the pub rather than doing the supposedly mile and a half detour.

When you reach the village, if the sand route is not viable an alternative route is along the Ellerby road for half a mile then cut straight down to the railway line (which is a public path) and follow it round to High Cliff. You will be unlucky if you need to do this however.

One other point is that, after the sand section, the path up towards the top of the cliff is very slippery after rain. There is (or was) an old rope alongside to assist your ascent. The National Park have built two bridges here but both have been washed away after flash flooding. Whether there is a third now I don't know.

Thanks for your help, it doesnt sound like its going to be much of a problem.