Carr Nase

Carr Naze (also spelled Carr Nase) is a clifftop headland at Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. It forms the landward end of the Filey Brigg peninsula, where the grassy plateau gives way to the narrow reef of rock that runs out into the North Sea. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and since the early 1970s the fields on top have been Filey Brigg Country Park.

What will you see at Carr Naze?

The cliff edge, roughly 20 metres high, looks over Filey Bay and the rock platform stretching seaward. The far tip of the promontory is known as Brigg End. The cliffs are layered: on the bay side they are mostly glacial deposits, with limestone and sandstone strata beneath that show more clearly on the seaward flank. Geology fans and wildlife watchers get plenty out of this stretch of coast.

A late Roman signal station once stood right on the edge, in use from about 375 to 410 AD. Excavations in 1857 uncovered a building around 50 metres long with a square tower, and further digs in 1993-94 were triggered by coastal erosion. Nothing is visible today because the sea has taken part of the site, but it remains a protected Scheduled Monument.

What is the walk like?

The Carr Naze circuit is easy: about 2.25 miles (3.6 km), roughly 80 m of ascent and around an hour on foot. You start at the car park, where information boards stand by a gate. From there you head to the tall pointed marker stone showing the start of the Cleveland Way and the end of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, then turn right along the cliff-edge path past the site of the Roman station. The route mixes clifftop paths, beach and pavement, with a few steps.

Is it safe?

The cliffs are soft and erode quickly. A large slip in 1869 removed several hundred metres of the headland. Paths on the flanks of Carr Naze can be steep and eroded, so wear sturdy footwear and keep dogs under control. Crossing the rock platform at low tide is possible, but the rocks are slippery and you do it at your own risk. Keep well back from the edge.

When should you go?

Pick a clear day without a strong wind, as the path is fully exposed. If you plan to step onto the rock platform, check tide times and go at low water.

Frequently asked questions

How does Carr Naze relate to Filey Brigg? Carr Naze is the upper, landward part of the headland, while Filey Brigg strictly refers to the rocky tail extending into the sea.

Can you still see the Roman signal station? No, erosion has claimed the visible remains. You can walk past where it stood, and five recovered stones are displayed in Crescent Gardens in Filey.

How long does the walk take? The easy 2.25-mile loop takes about an hour.

Do tides matter? Yes. The rock platform can be crossed at low tide, but the rocks are slippery.