Approaching the Hermitage and its mandapam from the north, following the Coast to Coast path through Littlebeck Wood, it is first observable when the path leaves the beck side to make its way up the riverbank. The Hermitage is at the top of the bank, within 50 yards of Newton House, which is on the far side of the boundary wall.

On the south facade of the Folly there is an inscription that reads "THE HERMITAGE' and on the west facade a further inscription which reads "G + C 1790". Documents housed at the Whitby Museum attest to the fact that George Clubb was a "jack of all trades" to Newton House and the designer of the Hermitage. The evidence also avers that the said George Clubb was a schoolmaster in Whitby, and there are records that verify this. There has been controversey over the identify of the builder, but these records put an end to that. On the roof of the Hermitage are a stone chair and a stone stool.

A viewing platform or mandapam accompanies the Hermitage, constructed between the Hermitage and the cliff edge. A semi-circular stone wall arcs around the steep drop, and two gate posts separate the wall from the Hermitage on its north side. The gate is no longer present.

The purpose of the Hermitage is unknown but it is thought that it may memorialise an ancient folk tale relating to an incident in Eskdale-Side, which is quite close to Littlebeck. The tale dates to 1159 and involves the Lord of Ugglebarnby (about 3 miles north of the Hermitage). He was then known as Wiiliam de Bruce. Together with Ralph de Percy and Allatson, they were hunting a wild boar in Eskdale-Side. The boar was chased by hounds into the hermitage, or chapel, of a hermit monk. He closed the door to protect the boar but it had died by the time they found it. The three gentlemen were so annoyed they assaulted the monk with their boar staves and he shortly after died.

At the point of death, the hermit sent for the Abbot and asked him to send for his murderers. He forgave them on terms that they would serve a penance for the safeguard of their souls. They would otherwise be executed for their crime. They agreed. Their penance was that they, and their successors, would upon Ascension evening, come to the wood of StrayHeads in Eskdale-Side and there plant a hedge made from stakes, stout stowers and yethers, to be cut by them using a knife of one penny price. The wood was to be carried on their backs and carried to Whitby before 9am and they would then follow the directions given for creating a hedge. Ascension evening is 39 days after Easter.

Planting the Penny Hedge was to be carried out every year and it had to be strong enough to withstand 3 high tides. Failure or refusal to do so was to result in the confiscation, so long as the tide did not prevent this, of their lands to the Abbot of Whitby or his successors. At completion of the task a horn was to be blown. This became known as the Horngarth. The ritual is still carried out today, and is performed by the Bailiff of the Manor of Fyling.

Coast to Coast Trail Guide

"Hiking the Coast to Coast" is a digitally enhanced eBook available from Apple Books for all people who have either a Mac, an iPhone or an iPad, and is designed to accompany you on your walk of the Coast to Coast path. The trail guide contains Ordnance Survey maps and other advanced mapping features, step by step directions, hundreds of colour photographs, details of the route, its conditions in different weather and research snippets relating to places of interest along the way.