Enjoy these walks from the grand old Port of Scarborough. Walk in the footsteps of the Scottish fisher lasses as they filleted the 'silver darlings' harvested from the sea by huge fleets of fishing boats. Explore the old streets close to the harbour where many a fine bale of French silk was rushed into houses and inns to be hidden away from the eye of the excise man! Yes, there were dangerous times in Scarborough's history and development as a port.
Pirates from Scotland, France and Holland roamed the North Sea in search of rich cargoes entering and leaving Scarborough. Not only were Scarborough ships attacked by the pirates but they turned to piracy themselves! Or did they hide the name of piracy under the name of 'privateers'? Whatever, they attacked without discrimination for hundreds of years robbing foreign and English ships at will.
As you walk along the harbour side it is hard to imagine that in the 18th and 19th centuries shipyards, large and small were along the fore­shore, stretching from the east pier to the Grand Hotel. Huge ships were built using oak from local forests. There were also associated sail makers, rope makers, mast makers, iron works and timber stores with their yards close by. What a scene of activity it must have been, all the noise, swearing and smells!
Longer walks are included, most of them with historical features. Visit Scarborough's fine castle, the old town church and find the grave of a famous Yorkshire author. Walk the cliffs and old railway track for a superb long walk or simply meander around streets of the old town and harbour side to soak up the history.