The A169 Pickering to Whitby, running through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, is far more than just a road connecting the market town of Pickering to the historic port of Whitby. It is a scenic single-carriageway ribbon of tarmac that slices through some of England’s most dramatic and captivating landscapes, offering a thrilling drive and a window into the natural beauty and history of “God’s Own County.”
The Gateway: Pickering and the Vale
The journey begins near Malton, but the spirit of the route truly starts in Pickering, a charming market town famed for its medieval castle and, crucially, as the southern terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). As you head north, the A Journey Across the Moors: The Magnificent A169 Pickering to Whitby leaves the gentle countryside of the Vale of Pickering and begins its ascent into the National Park, setting the stage for the wilder, more rugged terrain ahead.
Ascending into the Wilderness
The road quickly winds upwards, trading green fields for the vast, open expanse of the heather-clad moorland. This is the essence of the North York Moors: an undulating plateau dominated by purple heather in late summer, interspersed with gorse, grass, and bracken. The driving becomes more challenging and rewarding, with long straights giving way to sweeping curves and sudden descents.
A major landmark on the moorland stretch is the spectacular Hole of Horcum, a massive natural amphitheatre, nearly a mile wide and 120 metres deep. There are convenient car parks at the top of the escarpment where travellers can stop to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps begin a moorland walk.
Further along the route, one passes the turn-off for the iconic, pyramid-shaped radar station of RAF Fylingdales, a starkly modern landmark on the ancient landscape.
A Steep Descent to the Coast
As the A169 approaches the coast, the landscape dramatically changes once more. The road passes near the villages of Goathland and Grosmont, both of which are stops on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line and are known to TV fans as the filming locations for the popular series Heartbeat.
The final challenge and highlight for many drivers is Blue Bank, a notorious, steep descent with a gradient of 1-in-5 (20%). It offers a spectacular, panoramic view of the coast, the Esk Valley, and the distant silhouette of Whitby Abbey before dropping sharply into the valley floor. The road crosses the River Esk at Sleights, a picturesque village nestled in the valley.
Arrival in Whitby
After the excitement of Blue Bank, the A Journey Across the Moors: The Magnificent A169 Pickering to Whitby soon connects with the A171 near the village of Newholm, marking the end of the journey’s main scenic route. From here, it is just a short drive to Whitby, the final destination. The famous coastal town is instantly recognisable by its ruined 13th-century Abbey, its historic harbour, and its literary connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
A Drive for All Seasons
While popular in summer when the heather is in bloom, the A Journey Across the Moors: The Magnificent A169 Pickering to Whitby is a road to be respected, particularly in winter, when frost, dense fog, and heavy snow can make the moorland section treacherous. Nevertheless, in all seasons, this 25-mile route offers a unique blend of natural beauty, engineering challenge, and historical significance, solidifying its reputation as one of the best scenic drives in the UK. Whether you are a walker, a motorist, or a history enthusiast, the A Journey Across the Moors: The Magnificent A169 Pickering to Whitby is a journey not to be missed. Sources