Whitby walkway attracts growing support

A North Yorkshire drinks producer is marking a milestone as public interest surges in a new heritage-inspired walkway.

Whitby Distillery, founded by Jessica Slater and Luke Pentith, has received more than 1000 name submissions for its forthcoming Spirits Walkway, an 80-metre path (see above) leading from Caedmon’s Trod to the entrance of its new £2.4 million distillery.

The walkway will form part of the visitor experience when the purpose-built site opens just south of Whitby Abbey in spring 2027.

Jessica: “We are absolutely delighted with the response to our walkway so far. 

“It will be made up of cast-iron panels, each engraved with the names of those who’ve supported the build, and installation will begin shortly. 

“We wanted to create something more uplifting, a way for people to leave a little bit of themselves in Whitby, whether they live here or just hold it close to their hearts.

“The Spirits Walkway will be a path that families can wander together, spotting their own names or those of loved ones. 

“With a 100-year lease on the land, it’s something that will stand for generations to come, a lasting celebration of the people who make Whitby what it is.

“We’ve already had over 1000 names submitted, from local families and businesses to visitors from across the world who have fallen in love with Whitby. 

“There’s space for over 8000 in total, spread across 120 cast-iron panels, and we are looking forward to welcoming many more names over the coming weeks and months, as installation gets underway.

“With Christmas looming, a panel being the ideal present for lovers of history, Whitby and gin.”

Jessica added: “There is a wide cross-section of people who have submitted their names and the names of their families and friends to be part of our walkway. 

“Some are gin lovers, some are Whitby lovers, and some simply want to mark a memory or loved one in a place that means something to them.

“For many, it’s a way to root themselves in Whitby’s story, to be part of a new landmark on the headland.”

The feature is designed as a symbolic route celebrating local history, craftsmanship and community, with supporters able to have their names engraved along the path. 

Options range from single names to group inscriptions, with pricing scaled accordingly. 

The strong uptake reflects the distillery’s growing profile since its founding in 2017.

Jessica added: “For us, each name feels like a vindication of what we’ve built so far and what’s still to come. 

“It’s humbling, really. 

“When we walk along those first panels and see familiar names, it’ll feel like being surrounded by friends.”

Luke added: “We’re aiming to open the doors to the public in spring 2027. 

“The build is valued at over £2.4 million, which for us feels like a once-in-a-lifetime investment, not just in bricks and mortar, but in Whitby’s future as a place of craft, creativity, and coastal industry.

“We started Whitby Distillery back in 2017 with a tiny copper still and a lot of hope. 

“To stand next to the Abbey in our own distillery, surrounded by names of people who helped make it happen, will be something we’ll never forget. 

“It will feel like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another a permanent home, built by land and sea, and by the people who believed in us from the start.”

Construction of the new distillery began earlier this year following extensive planning and heritage approvals to protect the abbey setting. 

Whitby Distillery, currently operating from Botany Way, is also preparing to open a new shop on Church Street selling its award-winning spirits, including its flagship Whitby Gin. 

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