Peter and Francine's Walks: Jul 25, 2008

C2C Day 12 - July 25 - Clay Bank Top to Glaisedale - 19 miles

After a wonderful send-off from the Sutcliffes, their daughter drove us back to where we left off the day before at Clay Bank Top. Almost immediately we began a climb up to Urra Moor - a desolate, windy and beautiful landscape. It was another gorgeous sunny day with very few clouds and we actually got sun burned. We walked five miles along an old abandoned railway track bed and on the way saw some of the best panoramas of the trip. We stopped for lunch at the infamous Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge and then plodded along for another 10 miles or so to the village of Glaisdale. Our feet our ACHING! Peter is hoping to get another day's worth on his blistered heels. We are relieving our pain at our home for the night - The Arncliffe Arms Inn and Pub where Marie has kindly allowed us to use her laptop to update the last 3 days. The end is in sight and we thrilled and sad at the same time.

Note to Michelle and Anniki - we'd love to meet you for coffee on Tuesday the 29th if you're available. Leave a cell number at the Marriott Renaissance Chancery Court.

Climbing Urra Moor

Ralph Cross - one of the Moorland Crosses

Trough House - an old shooting lodge

C2C Day 11 - July 24 - Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top - 12 miles

After yesterday's marathon section, today was a relatively short day, however when a day consists of only 12 miles, it usually means only one thing - climbing! In this case it was moors. The scenery has changed yet again and the moors are beautiful. We can only imagine what it will be like in a couple of weeks when the heather is in bloom. Today's height gain was 2545 feet and the climbing and descents were very steep. We climbed up and down several moors, until arriving at Clay Bank Top. It was a warm, partly sunny day and at one point, it was possible to see the North Sea (our destination) in the distance. Arriving in Clay Bank Top, we hitched a ride to our B&B in Great Broughton, owned by Len and Margaret Sutcliffe. Both are in their 80's and they have operated their B&B for over 30 years. What a delightful couple! Margaret prepared tea and home made scones and Len gave us a tour of his incredible flower gardens.

Hard to believe that we have only 2 days and less than 40 miles to go.

Arncliffe Woods

Scarth Wood Moor

Summit of Carlton Moor

The wonderful Mr Sutcliffe

C2C Day 10 - July 23 - Richmond to Ingleby Cross - 23 miles

At 8:30, we said good-bye to our great hosts, Gary & Lindsay, at Rosedale House. We happened to be at the same Indian Restaurant last night and they sent over drinks and dessert and then came over with the staff to sing Happy Anniversary.

In hindsight, 23 miles on the day of our anniversary, was probably not the best idea. We couldn't really recall why we had decided on this routing. Must have been due to the fact that this stretch was almost entirely agricultural and flat. It was very hot, over 80 degrees F, and thankfully we didn't have direct sun all day. By the time that we arrived at Park House B&B, at 6:15 PM, the Champagne on ice was a welcome surprise. We could barely make it for dinner to Di's specialty of Steak and Ale Pie - which was great. After watching the sun set, we were so tired that instead of trying to re-create our wedding night, we settled for foot massages! (Yeah right!).

We are in the North York Moors National Park and are looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

Note to Jonathan and Anne - Thanks so much for the card received on arrival at Park House. Looking forward to seeing you in London.