As we'd started today's walk yesterday, before doubling back, we took a short cut up to rejoin the route of the C to C. This involved a rather steep scramble through heather and bracken - it might actually have been easier to go up to the road. Once on the route proper, the walking and views were amazing. There was one big draw back though - the moors are far from flat!
We had expected one moor, but the reality was whole series of moors separated from each other by deep valleys. I suppose the area isn't called the North York Moors, not Moor singular, for nothing. Now the moors are a lot higher than you think and the descent into the valleys was steep, which of course meant the climbs back out were equally steep. It was certainly challenging walking, but very rewarding.
At this point in our walk we were sharing our route with the Cleveland Way. You might have thought this would have meant traffic on the path would have been plentiful, but it wasn't, there wasn't a single other bear in sight - strange?!
As we went up moor and down valley we had a few interesting sights as well as the stunning scenery.
This included one of Wainwright's favourites, the Wain Stones, which provided an excellent scrambling diversion, great for climbing enthusiasts myself, George, and Yorkie.
We reached the end of the 'up and down' section in time for a late lunch the far side of Cley Bank Top. For many C to C walkers this is the end of a day's stage, and the great man, Alfred Wainwright himself, suggests that only strong walkers consider continuing. We're pleased to say that we clearly fall into this latter category, as we had a further 10 miles to do to reach the end of our daily stage. However, this wasn't a problem for us, even though we'd had a challenging morning, as a) we were walk fit by now and b) we were about to embark on a flat and fast stretch of the route. This was because, after one final climb, we would be crossing Urra Moor following an old railway route. We romped along at a fast pace, thoroughly enjoying the easy walking, and we had the moor almost all to ourselves, with just the numerous red grouse for company ...
At Bloworth Crossing, truly in the middle of nowhere, the C to C route leaves the Cleveland Way to follow the historic Rosedale Ironstone Railway. Shortly after we'd have liked to stop for tea, and just as we wondered just when the Blakey Inn would appear on the horizon, it did ...
... the inn is that red roofed building, looking quite distant. In fact it was distant, and it took quite a while to get there. Nevertheless we we there by about 6.00 p.m. which was pretty good going, especially as, not only had we walked more than 20 miles, we had climbed more than the height of Snowdon.
The Lion is a great place for a hearty meal and a pint or two of real ale. We especially enjoyed the Old Peculiar and we slept well, reassured by the fact that we had a much shorter day tomorrow.
Lots of love, George, Yorkie, Wooly and Gio xxx
1 comment:
Oooh that looks a tough day! No doubt Woolly took it all in his stride being a Lakeland sheep but suffolk Branch were impressed the bears had enough energy to climb the stones too. Suffolk Branch think they'd better up their fitness training before September!
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