Across England on the Coast to Coast walk, part 8

 

Where we spy the North Sea and Whitby, and at the end of a very long day we make it into Robin Hood’s Bay and have a beer to celebrate completing the walk.

 

At times during this walk it felt very much like we were in a time warp that would see us roaming the countryside forever. It was a rather pleasant feeling, being so totally outside our normal life with only new experiences and sights to fill our thoughts and conversation.

I can recommend the sensation.

If you ever watch the UK TV program Escape to the country you’ll know that at some stage during what seems every episode the host will say to the camera something along the lines of,

‘… and this area is designated as one of outstanding natural beauty.’

John and I have a regular chuckle about it, as they make it sound as though everywhere in the UK is ‘… of outstanding natural beauty.’

But, you know, it’s true. The UK countryside is gorgeous. And our final days of this walk are no exception.

This morning we get our first, rather hazy, glimpse of the North Sea.

Our very easy path today is a disused rail track.

After our few days on the Moors I felt I could see where Harris tweed weavers may have got their colour inspirations from.

We spot our next overnight stay, the Lion Inn, Britain’s 4^th highest inn.  Can you see it?  Orange roof.

The inn claims to date back to 1553 and once we saw inside we thought that might be entirely possible.

After a very quiet night and sound sleep we’re more than ready to get back on the road. This is our last glimpse of the Lion Inn, sitting alone, but never lonely—as it’s a very popular spot—high on the Moors.

From the inn it’s a 14 mile stroll down the Esk Valley with moorland scenery that makes your heart swell. The heather is just starting to bloom.

And then there’s a complete change of scenery as we descend into the valley and enter East Arncliffe Wood where we walk along the river until finding the turnoff to our next port of call, Egton Bridge.

On the outskirts of Egton Bridge. Now to find our accommodation!

After a bit of backtracking, circling and wondering where we cross the river, we finally find the right road and our lovely hotel, Broome House.

Once settled in we gravitate to the patio for the ubiquitous cup of tea—except in England you always get a pot. Can you see me?

And then our last day is upon us!

The easy walking continues and by lunchtime we’ve arrived at Grosmont where we’re diverted for an hour while watching preparations by the North York Moor Railways to get the Harry Potter Hogwart’s Express under way. We were among quite a crowd taking photos. I’d hazard a guess we were the only ones who weren’t train enthusiasts—but I took the photo for my brother-in-law back in Oz as he’s a diehard train tragic.

Then munching our lunch of bananas bought from the local grocer we continue on our way through the village to the open countryside beckoning from the distance.

A short pause to check the route.

And then we see the sea! And Whitby Abbey ruins on the clifftop.

An artistic self portrait.

We stop at Falling Foss tea house for a much needed cup of tea and scone each.

It’s the North Sea, people! Do we look a bit knackered? We certainly felt it. Still a few miles to go!

The path along the cliffs.

And, at last, Robin Hood’s Bay comes into view.  What a gorgeous looking little spot!

This was one of the longest days of the walk. Not the hardest, thank goodness, but even so, we were feeling decidedly wobbly by the time we arrived.  This photo was taken looking back to land.

We wet our boots and drop our Irish Sea pebbles into the North Sea as tradition demands.

Then head to the pub for a tall beer!!! Nothing beats a coldie as a reviver!

And, as they say, that’s all folks!

Except I will write one more post because the next day we took the local bus up to Whitby and spent the afternoon looking around—and the photos are worth posting.

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