Beach Escape at Saltwick Bay with Fossil Hunting

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saltwick Bay in England's beautiful county of North Yorkshire offers more than just a seaside escape. Nestled in the countryside, it is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The bay is a beautifully sculpted natural wonder with stunning ocean views. This steep and rugged bay is just a 10-minute drive from the lively town of Whitby and can also be accessed on foot. The area is rich with fascinating history and geological wonders.

Visitors can enjoy sights such as Whitby Abbey, the harbor entrance, and the breathtaking North Yorkshire coastline. The Whitby Guide mentions the famous "Whitby's 199 Steps," which lead down to the beach from Whitby Holiday Park. Be sure to check the tide times, and watch your step on slippery stones, especially in the winter. Visitors are also advised to be cautious near the cliff base, as rockfalls are common there.

Fossil Finds

Saltwick Bay is renowned for its marine reptile fossils. Ammonites, coiled-shelled sea creatures, can often be spotted among the rocks and boulders along the beach. Meanwhile, fossils can be found embedded in the cliff faces about one meter above the beach.

Visitors must note that as a site of special scientific interest, Saltwick Bay prohibits breaking the rock formations. Over the centuries, numerous remarkable discoveries have emerged from the area. In 1824, for example, a nearly complete skeleton of a Teleosaurus stenodon, a Jurassic-era sea crocodile, was uncovered and is now on display at the Whitby Museum.  Fossilized footprints of Ichthyosaurus, Plesiosaurus, and various dinosaurs have also been found.

Shipwreck on the Shore

Saltwick Bay is also home to a haunting shipwreck right along its shore. The remains of Admiral Von Tromp lie on the beach, shrouded by mystery over what truly happened to him.

The ship reportedly departed from Scarborough Harbor in 1976, bound for Barnacle Bay. However, it never reached its destination, instead running aground on the rocks at Saltwick Bay. The wreck is visible at low tide, attracting curious onlookers.

Marvelous Sun Spectacles

Saltwick Bay is one of the few locations offering spectacular views of both sunrises and sunsets. The pools of water reflect the sky like mirrors, and the rock formations reveal their textures in detail.

Between late May and late July, a double-sun effect can be observed. At sunset, a whale-shaped silhouette appears at Saltwick Nab, while sunrise illuminates the Black Nab rock stacks and the wreck of the Admiral Von Tromp.

Visitor Reviews

On Tripadvisor, Saltwick Bay receives glowing reviews. "A stunning beach, reached by a beautiful cliff top walk from Whitby. Some steep steps down but absolutely worth it. As advised by others we stayed away from the bottom of the cliffs but the bay was wonderful to explore," wrote one visitor who shared their experience hiking to the Whitby cliffs.

Another visitor compared it to a Greek island. "A beautiful place, quiet, emerald sea, you almost think you're on a Greek Island. A steady walk from Whitby Abbey along the escarpment, approximately 30 minutes, a steep descent and wow, it's idyllic," the review said, as reported by Express UK.

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