jan 2015

12 Sept - Glaisdale to Littlebeck

Awoke to drizzling rain. Breakfast, then started out from Beggars Bridge heading for Littlebeck via Egton and Grosmont. Stopped at the Horseshoe Hotel for a coffee and a break from the drizzle then onto Grosmont via the Egton Manor under the railway and along the Esk past Priory Farm and into Grismont for a pint and to sit out the rain. The rain stopped as we left the pub and we had an enjoyable but tough ascent up into the moors again with gradients in excess of 33% for most of the way up. Once reaching the stop it was a pleasant walk through the moors and then down through various farms to Intake Farm (a kilometer South of Littlebeck) which was to be our home for the night. We were greeted with scones and tea. There wasn't a pub at Littlebeck so we caught a taxi into Sleights to visit the Plough Inn then returned to Intake Farm for a delightful home cooked dinner.
Judith and Robert had 12 cats, mostly feral, outside their back door. They kept the mice in the sheds to a minimum. They have 400 acres with sheep and cattle.

On Beggars Bridge ready for a hard day ahead of us in the rain and drizzle.

Heading to Little Beck.

Walking through pastures to our accomodation at Intake Farm.

Coffee and scones on our arrival at our B&B.

Took a taxi into Sleights as there wasn't a pub in Littlebeck.

Took this from a C2C book in our lounge room.

A delicious home cooked meal by Judith and Robert.

11 Sept - Blakey Ridge to Glaisdale

We woke today to a very foggy morning. After the usual routine we left Blakey Ridge for Glaisdale at a cracking pace, by the boys. We, in particular the girls, found it tough going through the Moors and down the Esk Valley. There was more grouse shooting heard in the distance.

We passed the stumpy white landmark known as " Fat Betty" where one can leave a donation of food for other less deserving walkers.

We leave the Moores behind us as we descended through farmland to the houses of Glaisdale after a 16km walk. Michael had internet access so we were kept up to date with West Coast vs Hawthorn. He set a hot pace all day so that we could listen to 2nd half when we reached Glaisdale. It was quite refreshing to leave the Moors behind us and to see the farmlands and greenery of the pastures. After some confusion with the accommodation of Begger's Bridge B&B 4 of us settled in there after a beer at the local. The Youngs and Burges's were accommodated further out. As we had arrived early we took the opportunity to train into Whitby for a quick look around this seaside village. When catching a taxis home we returned via a visit to the famous remains of Whitby Abbey (place where dates for Easter were agreed). There were fisherman trying their luck at beck under Beggars Bridge but all salmon were still waiting at Whitby for rain before they started their swim up the becks and rivers. A meal and chat with locals at Arncliffe Arms before bed.

Cold and misty.

Fat Betty where one can leave a donation of food for less deserving walkers.

Walking the Danby Moors.

A better view of a butt.

Walking towards Glaisdale.

Finally arrived at the "watering hole" The Arncliffe Arms for the end of a day's walk, only 16kms today

Sitting right on the road!

A visit to Whitby with the Abby in the distance.

Whitby Abby.

Beggars Bridge near our B&B.

Very popular spot near Beggars Bridge for fly fishing.

Front yard of accomodation with Beggars Bridge in background.

Drinks at Arncliffe Arms.

10 Sept - Great Broughton to Blakey Ridge

We left Wainstones Hotel at Great Broughton and recommended our walk from Clay Bank we immediately climbed back into the Yorkshire moors and spent the whole day walking through them, ending the day at Blakey Ridge. There were large numbers of grouse throughout the walk. We experienced first hand a grouse shoot where we witnessed about 50 beaters with dogs surrounding a large area, hounding the grouse toward the shooters who hide in the grouse butts. Large numbers were shot and could only think how unfair it was for the grouse - pity the grouse couldn't carry guns as well. Michael took a tumble whilst returning to the track from a saute into the heather to shoot some grouse (with camera) - no injury though.

The pub at Blakey Ridge the Lion Inn, (only building there) was undoubtedly the best we have seen. It was nothing to look at from the outside but inside was a real treat with huge beams and open fire places, old (1500s) and packed with customers having late lunch and plenty to drink. Low doorways and being a free house had the largest selection of beers we have come across. A great place to finish the day.
Photos will need to be added in a few days as iPad has given up the ghost and this is being done on Michael's phone. I was very disappointed as you can all appreciate.

Photos as promised once we got home.