End of day 14 - Last Day

We started walking at 9:45am, a little later than we'd planned. Chris was complaining his feet were really painful first thing, something that he'd not experienced previously. Nicky could hardly walk from the effect of wind burn around her knees. As for the old'un, physically I was fine just suffering from the normal early morning stiffness. I was just having mixed thoughts, looking forward to reaching Robin Hood's Bay, but also sad that thus was the last day.

We set off after Ros dropped us off at the Arncliffe Arms in Glaisdale. This was a day of approximately 19 miles with around 1640 feet of ascent. A long day ahead for our last section. Adding to the challenge it was possibly going to be the hottest day of the fortnight, as nice as it sounds, not ideal walking conditions.

Esk River

Glaisdale to Grosmont was a pleasant 3.5 mile walk through the Esk Valley. Our timing into Grosmont could not have been better. The 11:30am departure for Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway was being prepared. After Nicky had treated us to ice creams we wandered around the railway station soaking in the smells of smoke and steam. If only that smell could be bottled......

The climb out of Grosmont was then attacked. This was approximately 700 feet in 1.5 miles up on to Sleights Moor. Some sections at a gradient of 1:3.... with sun beating down it was a tough climb. As encouragement on the way we were treated to views of Whitby and the North Sea. At the top. In the distance we could see the depression that Robin Hood's Bay nestled in.

Littlebeck was our next destination. This was approximately a 700 foot descent down to the picturesque village. Then a gentle muddy ascent along the wooded valley to the Falling Foss waterfall. Followed by a gradual climb up to Sneaton Low Moor. From here it was downhill to Hawsker and the Coastal path to Robin Hood's Bay. This was not without some cursing of Mr. Wainwright. This final section is a loop that took us north with Whitby in full view, walking away from our destination!! Then east to join the Coastal path. Then south around the coast to Robin Hood's Bay. When we rounded Ness Point we realised why. Our destination is seen. The whole bay comes into view from Ravenscar around to The Bay Hotel rising above the sea wall where a deserved pint awaits.

Before the pint is reached we have to descend to the beach to dip our boots in the North Sea. Despatching our pebbles we have carried from St. Bees into the waves we carry out the summary pats on backs for a job well done.

That's it...... We have walked from Coast to Coast. Through all weathers apart from snow. Across peaks, moors, valleys, and fields. Along paths, bridleways, lanes and some roads. A most enjoyable two weeks....

NB. The missing days' postings will be added ASAP. Photographs will be added over the next feww weeks as I filter through the many we have taken.


-- Posted from my iPhone