The New Lyke Wake Club

Crossing Report with my kids

Back at the beginning of the month, Scarborough Sea Cadets challenged their Cadets to walk 10k to raise much needed funds for their unit after the cancellation of their two biggest fundraisers each year.
Harry, Gemma, Alfie and Florence (aka OC/MC/AJC and JC Carr) decided that they couldn’t possibly ask people to sponsor them to walk 10k when they run that distance several times a week, and so they started looking for a bigger challenge. The Lyke Wake seemed perfect. Mum loves the route, and has done several crossings, and even better, it’s on our doorstep.
And so that’s how a 9/11/13 and 14 year old ended up stood at the Ravenscar Lyke Wake stone at 5am on Sunday 26th July for an East to West Crossing.

It was a stunning morning, light enough to not need headtorches, and we got a beautiful sunrise behind us a little while later.
The kids smiled the entire way through. We had a beautiful day, although could have done with a little less wind and showers as it was very coat on/coat off all day.
We’d hoped for a sub 15hr crossing, although were prepared for it to be nearer 18hrs. I was completely blown away when we finished in 14hrs 22mins, with tons of daylight left, and other than the odd blister, they all felt amazing. They even ran most the road section done to the Stone.
They’ve raised over £400 for Scarborough Sea Cadets, and have also fallen completely in love with the route – Alfie wants to run it next!

Nikki Carr

Crossing 24-25th July 2020.

I would like to report our crossing and just-about-successful completion of the Lyke Wake Walk starting on the night of Saturday 25th July, ending the evening of Sunday 26th July.
Our party included four London flatmates who are all friends from university (me – Sally, Jess, Katherine and Matthew). Having been born and raised in Yorkshire, I had the Lyke Wake Walk on my bucket list and was pleased I had successfully roped in three friends who were also keen walkers. I am not too proud to say that I definitely underestimated this walk.
We roughly began from Osmotherley at 22.35 and ended in Ravenscar at 19.40.
We started out pretty well, battling the rain, wind, darkness and an early injury. Jess set a pretty fierce pace at the start – this would not last long… Navigation in the dark proved not too taxing due to the well-signposted Cleveland Way. “It’s not just a path, it’s a way of life. The Cleveland Way”. Safe to say, it wasn’t long before the sleep-deprived delirium settled in, particularly as we had already been awake for that day (and one of us had done a whole day’s work in London! Shout out to Katherine).
We eventually reached the Lion’s Inn, once we realised that it was not another mirage in the mist. We were greeted there by one of our support team, Ian, who met us with bacon baps, tea, flapjack and dad jokes. Lifesaver.
It’s probably fair to say that it all went downhill (mentally) from there. The bog was a real highlight just due to the soft ground underfoot.
We regrettably lost one of our party to injury just after the bog so it was just the girls that continued onwards. RIP Matthew.
Conversation slowly dried up after that as we reallised we were actually still really far away. We did not Lyke this.
Seeing and waving at the steam train as we crossed the railway was one of the few highlights that came after that. Honestly, the rest was a bit of a blur of misery. We were met at Checkpoint 6 by our support team Ian and Rebecca (and Matthew now). They managed to spur us on to the finish, as we brought meaning to the phrase ‘walking hard or hardly walking’. Credit to Jess for that pun.
So, 21 hours and 1000 blisters later, we made it! Just. Wooo! ?
All in all, a harrowing experience, but one that I am really glad (and amazed) we did.
Thanks again to our truly amazing support team! ??

Crossing Report. 25th July 2020

“Having been full of anticipation through the week, starting at Osmotherley at 04:40 felt slightly surreal in the semi darkness of a cloudy Saturday 25 July 2020. We were full of excitement, trepidation and appreciation for our lift from Redcar, courtesy of Jenni.

The Cleveland Way was memorable for its unbeatable views. At one point, Carlton Bank felt like the border between summer and winter, with clouds whipping off the moor, only to instantly dissipate when meeting the ridgeline.

Arriving at The Lion just as it opened, 7 hours later at 11:45 with the sun shining, we felt like the world was at our feet and that we’d finish by 20:30, easily! How wrong we were.

Peat bogs (apparently conditions were good?!) and knee deep heather made going extremely tough and our pace really suffered. Hours would go past with the landscape barely changing. There was a sense of jealousy at the souls laid to rest in the barrows below. This was a real test of mental strength.

Stepping stones and Lilla cross were reached, but by this time the beautiful sunset was rapidly disappearing and the torches that we didn’t actually need in the morning were now becoming our most essential item. Ravenscar radio tower was briefly in sight, but the next time we saw it, we were only 200 metres away! At 23:20, we touched the end stone. Total time 18 hours 40 minutes.

At the finish, I almost couldn’t tell whether the approaching lights on the road were from Jenni’s car or that from the sweet relief of death. Never has a pin badge felt more coveted or deserved.

Low points: The never-ending section between Smith’s Lane and Wheeldale Road; going dark on Flyingdales.

High points: Starting stone to The Lion – what an amazing section; lunch; puzzlingly, the final ascent from Jugger Howe Beck; finishing (I think?).

Huge congrats to the people running the route: the couple just before the Wainstones; the chap just after The Lion, and the couple just before Shunner Howe. Running seems like a good idea now, if only to end the misery sooner! Not sure our feet would have managed it though.

Never again (maybe).

Harry and Elsa, from Newcastle.”

Thanks very much for all of this, the walk will live long in the memory.

All the best,

Harry

Successful Crossing – Sunday 19th July 2020

In such strange times, challenges can be relied upon to lift your spirits and The Lyke Wake Walk was certainly one of these. Months in the planning, and with several miles of practice walks in our boots, myself and my friend Ross set off at 4am from Osmotherley with one thing in mind – to complete this challenge as best as we could. Accompanied by his brother, Sean (who was offering moral support up until the Lion Inn), we touched the Lyke Wake Stone and began our journey. We were immediately blown away by industrial nature of the views that met us towards Middlesbrough.

With lights twinkling, and a red hue in the sky from the impending sunrise, we began what can only be described as one of the most breathtaking 15km of views I have ever seen as the sun rose. Carlton Bank and Drake Howe offered an unmatched panorama and we were honoured to have this area to ourselves so early in the day.

As Checkpoint 2, we would meet our next supporter, Lee, who would join us for the remaining part of the walk. With the terrain now changing, and the sun beating down on us, we would welcome the sight of The Lion Inn at the half way point and a well deserved dinner break.

Saying a fond farewell to Sean, and a welcome to a next supporter, Miles, we began the final half of the walk paying respect to Fat Betty as we walked past her. Apprehension had in fact been building about the notorious boggy section that was to follow but we need not have worried, as any nightmares we had of being up to our knees in stagnant water never came to fruition and, instead, we were bouncing over the peat like trampolinists.

As Flyingdales came into view, we seemed to get an extra energy boost and made for that as our next target. Shunner Howe, Wheeldale Beck and Simon Howe came and went and, after what seemed like forever, we reached the huge concrete structure.
Moving onto our final section of the walk, the sight of Beacon Howes and its mast meant we were in touching distance of the finish line. With increasing excitement that we were close, we were greeted by something that brought impending doom to our feet – Jugger Howe Ravine. Silent groans came from of joints but we persevered through and plodded to our finish. Touching the Lyke Wake Stone, we were greeted by our families who had beer and fish and chips as our reward. A fantastic end to what was, and is, and amazing and beautiful walk.

A video of our adventure can be found here:
https://youtu.be/tHKcm4vLHiI

Simon White

Our short Lyke Wake Walk crossing report for 21st July 2020!

I write for myself, and for my sons James and Ethan Moses, of Hutton le Hole. What a fantastic day we had of it! We arrived to a beautiful sunrise at Osmotherley and got quickly underway, leaving at 4.32am. The oldest member of the party – me, by a long, long way – knew this section of the walk from earlier crossings on the Coast to Coast and, of course, the Cleveland Way. No less stunning was it, though, on this morning of pearlescent light and distant views. We were interested to find a man camping with basha and bivy on Live Moor, and though we pitied him the somewhat cooling breeze it was becoming apparent that with that light movement of air to cool us our walk would be done in the very best of conditions. Indeed, we made great progress all the way, though a special mention must go to the Hamer moor – Roman Road in stage 4. Against our expectations it was all rather dry, and though there is some challenging ground to cover beyond The Blue Man I’ the Moss these drier conditions were not lost on us and very much appreciated. Perhaps because of this weather we saw a lot of wildlife. Just by The Blue Man I’ the Moss we saw the largest and most stunning and rather large adder (not our only encounter with one that day) which let us know in no uncertain terms that we should keep our distance – with a loud hiss. Beware! Best moments for Ethan: “the view from Carlton Hill, and singing together along the Iron Ore Railway.’ Best moments for James: ‘Carlton Hill, and that amazing earlier sunrise.’

We were supported, and met for shorter breaks at checkpoints 2 (7.40am), 3 (got to Ralph Crosses around 10.50am), 4 (1pm), and something a little longer at Eller Beck. As we approached the end of the walk space appeared between us and having touched the Lyke Wake Stone (6.47pm) Ethan jogged back to his father to give ‘moral encouragement’ – a sign of the years between us! But from that final spot, on that night of warmth and clarity, we seemed to be able to see for ever! We could see with detail from where we had come, and looking seaward Beningborough Cliffs were highly lucid. Our actual walk time (verified using Walkmeter) was 13.08.

With best wishes
Dr David Moses
Hutton le Hole, 22nd July 2020

Record Crossing Report – 11th July 2019

Last Saturday, I completed another crossing (I think that’s no.8 but have lost count, how on earth you keep count Gerry is beyond me!). I would usually take part in the event that should not be spoke about, but with it’s cancellation this year, I decided I’d still go ahead and run the route.

The day could not have been more perfect weather wise. Clear skies and pleasantly warm without being stifling. I left Osmotherley at 9am with a friend who was running with me to the Lion. We had a very quiet run over, barely seeing another soul – a rather sad reminder of the times we are currently living in – and hit the Lion just ahead of schedule.

I hit the road around to the Millennium Stone, where my husband and another friend took over running with me. Again, the route was very quiet. It was also rather wetter than it has been on the same weekend in recent years! My husband and I ran this 20 miles in winter, his first time on much of the route, and he hated it then. This time he just kept remarking how dry it was, whilst myself and my friend – who’s also completed the challenge in the past – kept complaining how wet it was!

We arrived at the Raven Hall gates at 3:10pm with the clock reading 6hrs 10, a new West to East Crossing Fastest Known Female Time. We had Cava for the finish…. However we seemed to all reach for the Irn-Bru first instead!

There is a longer write-up, at https://merakirunning.co.uk/blog for anyone who would like to read more.

Nikki Carr Walls

Crossing Saturday 27th June 2020

Saturday 27th June 2020 was a day we didn’t think would happen having planned our crossing back in February on the way to a cross country race in Thetford. The LLW has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now having played the role of support crew twice (once successful and once sadly not but that was a winter attempt) and then the apocalypse hit!! Luckily in the nick of time restrictions lifted and our group were scaled back to just three of us; myself Kate and running friends Kendra and Hannah. We all work for North Yorkshire Police as serving Police Officers and represent the Force for Cross Country running. Kendra is also an Ultra runner, a member of Cops and Plodders running group who regularly run events to raise money for CALM. Hannah and myself have been inspired by Kendras achievements and so have been furiously training to follow in her footsteps. So, in our folly we decided to run the LLW route which for myself and Hannah would be the longest distance we’ve ever attempted. The day dawned bright and clear and we set off from Sheepwash at 0439 with 5 very excited dogs in tow and the mantra from my other half (our amazing support crew too) ringing in my ears “If you think you’re going too slow, then slow down!!” as this was going to be a huge effort on my part. Beautiful views and perfect conditions made reaching check point 1 at Clay Bank pretty easy where we dropped the dogs off and to continue on over Urra and Greenhow Moor without them. Good ground was made on the railway track only to loose time again cutting over the moor north of the Lion Inn where the track petered out and with great timing the weather closed in with poor visibility and rain. A compass bearing got us safely to Rosedale Head with soggy feet and a small sense of humour loss on my part as this was the only section I hadn’t done a recce on so I was cross with myself. Next check point was on the Rosedale Road just after the Danby junction where we saw three lads also running the route who seemed to be making light work of it. OH Support Crew says he saw them throughout the rest of the day running seemingly unsupported so whoever you are well done. The next section I’d run a few nights previously to see how boggy it was and despite the recent heatwave there were still some sections that were ‘interesting’. With this in mind I’d asked OH Support Crew to meet us at the road crossing on the Egton road so we had the option of a sock/shoe change if needed. Here we also grabbed 2 of the 5 dogs to run the next section to Ellerbeck with us. Both were ecstatic to be back out despite having already done around 10 miles in the morning. The weather had cleared again by this point and it was positively tropical dropping down the valley to Wheeldale beck where the dogs had a welcome dip. Slightly longer stop at the Ellerbeck checkpoint to drop the dogs and for a shoe and sock change meant we set off refreshed up to Lilla Cross where mother nature decided we needed to get wet again! Not to worry though as the end was in sight. All 5 dogs were grabbed again at the end of the tank road on the A171 crossing so we could finish the run as we started and we reached the stone at the transmitter exactly 11 hours 41 minutes later (apparently moving time was 9 hours 43 minutes) in bright sunshine. Okay, so no great land speed records were broken but we finished, happy and well. Huge thanks goes to James, my OH Support Crew, for looking after us and dog sitting, we couldn’t have done it without him.



Kate ASPEY, Hannah McPEAK and Kendra WEDGWOOD Plus Ginny, Lola, Roe, Monty and Harry dogs!

Lyke Wake Walk 10th July 2020

Me (Sian) and my friend Katie decided to do this walk which we managed by love of my grandparents with bacon butties and pasta at checkpoints! We laughed MOST of the way through and loved the echo of the forest near the bog shouting random things and making weird noises (don’t ask me where ) I just know it was after the best pint of my life at the Lion Inn we also possibly veered across haha). We had a few watched wees by that I mean the sheep made effort to walk over to watch! My boots… I found out a little to late were not good enough and I got some whopper blisters, they have never been soaked more and its never felt so good to have my feet in warmish salty water, mmm lovely. We started at 4AM and finished pushing midnight we didn’t know the exact time cause 1 all our electronics died before the end this included our watches :'( and 2 we were too tired to pop the prosecco never mind look at a clock! All we know is we did it and are now witches wooo!

I have attached a halfway photo because the phones died not long after that but it shows how happy that pint made us!

Secretary’s Reply
Hi Sian,

Well done in making a few key discoveries about the Lyke Wake route !
1. The Lion Inn is the best place in the Universe ( OK, you said the best pint in your life but surely, this is the same thing? ).
2. Bacon Butties are the key to success ( In life, not just on Lyke Wake ).
3. Noticing the Strange echoes near Wheeldale plantation ( You are the first people to comment on this effect as most groups walk in total silence / misery by that point of their crossing – OK, I am aware cos I never shut up talking ………………even on solo crossings ).

I will just gloss over the bit about “peeping Tom sheep” as that is just weird and likely caused by the stress at that time of the day!
Well done in getting across and you can now call yourselves Witches! ( You are duly recorded ).
Oh, would you mind if I were to put this report ( and picture ) on the Club Website …………………… it is most unusual i ( I may even post my reply to you which I have never done before )
All the best,

Gerry

Crossing 09th July 2020.

Although the Lyke Wake Walk had been on our radar for a good while, it wasn’t until about a week before we set off from Osmotherley we finally decided to do it. We realised that all the walking/running/cycling we had done during Covid lockdown had set us in great stead for a 40 mile hill walk.
Myself and my neighbouring farmer Simon Casswell duly set off from North Lincolnshire at 3am on Thursday 9th of July 2020. Driving up the A1 in torrential rain it was fairly obvious that things were going to be a bit damp on the moors but amazingly when we pulled into the car park the rain stopped. After pulling on our boots, a few last sips of coffee and a few photos at the Lyke Wake Stone, we started walking at 4.46am

The first few miles of the walk were great, a very easy and picturesque start to any walk we have ever done. Great variety with hills, streams, woodland, fields all on good tracks, we were wondering what all the fuss was about………and then the hills came.

The climb onto Live Moor was steep but relatively short and over the next seven miles the constant ups and downs were fairly gruelling. Whilst they weren’t the most challenging hills we had ever encountered they were fairly relentless and tiring. That said the views looking north to Middlesborough were stunning, Roseberry Topping looking fantastic from a distance. Gold Hill, Carlton Bank, Lordstones, Cringle Moor, Wainstones, Hasty Bank came and went and it was a relief to get to Round Hill at 8.44 for a bit of brekky and where things levelled out a bit. The section from Bloworth Crossing to the Lion at Blakey was a very welcome easy few miles along the old railway track which enabled us to get some quick miles under our belt.
We got to the Lion just before 11am where we were greeted by my father driving the support vehicle who made we were refuelled with sandwiches and soup. After 20 minutes and a change of shirt and socks we were on the move again.
We ventured north on the road and then navigated our way round to the start of the boggy section, which we knew after all the rain they were going to be a nightmare. We headed west down to Shunner Howe, treading carefully but failing not to end up knee deep in peat and mud, finding the path wasn’t difficult but keeping upright was.

The sight of Fylingdales never getting bigger was quite demoralising but on we went. Blue man I th moss was passed and we made our way down into the Wheeldale ravine where we were gutted to see water well above the stepping stones, which led me to get very wet feet.

Out the other side, Simon Howe was soon reached and then luckily Eller Beck appeared, where my father was waiting with more sandwiches and more importantly dry socks. After a short break we set off again for the last few miles.

Lilla Howe was conquered and at that point the finish line could be seen, albeit a long way away. Jugger Howe ravine proved a real sting in the tale but we managed before crossing the A171 and marching on to Ravenscar which we reached at approx. 6.30pm. This gave us a time of 13 hours 44 which we were really quite chuffed with.
A great walk, a real challenge and one I highly recommend.

Charles Anyan & Simon Casswell

Crossing on 28-06-20

Good evening Gerry,
Just reporting my crossing of the Lyke Wake this weekend gone. It’s my second time, the first way back in the 90s in around 17 hours I think. This one somewhat faster at around 9 hours 40 minutes.

I ran most of the route, hiking the hills and some tricky marshy patches. I set off just after 8am from Cod Beck and arrived at Ravenscar before 6pm. My Garmin ran out of battery just as I crossed the Scarborough Road but think I managed to get the distance correct now along with the time on the app.

It was very tough not least because of the strong winds but I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Could you please let me know how I become a member and also how I get the converted badge as I lost my one from the 90s some time ago.

Best Regards


Graham North
York