How to report your crossing
We are more than happy to receive reports on Lyke Wake crossings – preferably humorous. These reports are often quoted at Wakes as warnings to others! Crossings should be reported by email to crossing.report@lykewake.org
We may post extracts from these reports on this website unless you tell us that you don’t want us to. We will usually give your name and rough location (eg Southampton, Northumberland or Japan). If you would prefer us just to give your initials, or to remain anonymous, please say so. We will not publish your email address.
5 Star Hotel – George Fowkes
Lyke Wake Walk during a really dry Summer, with a recommended Nap
I did the Lyke Wake Walk, travelling West to East, starting at 0934 on Saturday 1st August 2026 and walking under the signal tower outside Ravenscar around 0630 on Sunday 2nd August.
This was an unsupported traverse and I offer the following observations for those attempting the Walk during a dry Summer.
First, from the map I realised that unless I took the 3km detour to the Lion Inn there is no certain water source directly on the route between Lordstones (km8) and Wheeldale Beck (km45). For me this meant leaving Lordstones well hydrated and with over 3L of water.
Second, due to the vagaries of public transport I couldn’t start before 0930. I didn’t want to be stumbling about in the darkest bit of the night so I brought a bivvy bag, sleep mat and some down clothes (total weight just over 2kg) and bivvy’d down for 5 hours outside RAF Fylingdales as it got dark. A bed in a 5 star hotel has never felt so good and I was much refreshed for the last quarter of the walk.
One thing I got wrong however was wearing approach shoes, i.e, lightweight walking shoes. A stiffer sole would have been better; I had really big blisters on the balls of my feet from Fylingdales to the end.
What a great walk, I look forward to doing it again with friends.
Sleeping Ever Since – Imogen Jameson
Good morning,
Myself (Imogen Jameson, Somerset), Polly Loftus (Wakefield) and Benjamin Moore (Nottingham) completed a crossing yesterday. We took 17.5 hours, unsupported other than chips at the Lion Inn halfway. We saw 2 adders, saw 2 deer and heard 1 night Jar.
We started at 5:41am from Cote Ghyll (wonderful stay), and had good dry weather throughout the walk. Spirits were reasonably high until the head torches were required, at this point the walk became significantly more solemn – very on brand!
We slept in the car before returning home to Wakefield at 7am and have been sleeping ever since.
Dodging Runners!
A group of friends who met via the Sheffield-based outdoors group Peak Queer Adventures set off on the Lyke Wake Walk at 0300hrs from the Cote Ghyll Mill B&B and camping, Osmotherly. The B&B was very accommodating for walkers and left our early breakfasts in the fridge for us to pick up at 0230hrs! We spent the first 45 mins of the walk in darkness before dawn broke as we topped out on the first hill. We spent a pleasant few hours enjoying the sunrise and talking about I Kissed a Girl on the BBC. The first bit of the hike was the hilliest, which slowed us down and made for a hard start to the day. Fortunately, our amazing support crew met us after the first 16km or so and fed us breakfast wraps.
It was a hot and sunny day and, coincidentally, there was a trail run taking place on the route so we spent the first part of the day dodging very brave runners and putting on a lot of suncream. After our first stop we locked in for 14km of cruising along a flat gravel causeway. We picked up the pace and made excellent time to the pub which sits almost at the mid-point of the route. Big up the Lion Inn for serving us pints at 1100hrs! Suitably hydrated, and fed with pasta salad and ice creams provided by our support crew, we contemplated the second leg. At this point we were mostly feeling pretty fresh for people who had walked 30km on 3 hours of sleep. Although one of our group was suffering with some serious thigh chafage, we started to think we might actually be able to complete the hike!
Post-lunch the terrain got a little trickier, not hilly but rocky to the point where we had to watch our feet. The chat continued to be good and a brief bit of cloud cover gave us some respite from the sun. It felt like we should have been walking through a bog but the prolonged dry weather meant that our feet remained dry. Then things get a bit hazy for the next 20km – the body was feeling ok but our minds were drifting a bit.
We had our last significant pit stop at around 50km – at this point most people were feeling pretty wrecked but, having come this far it felt impossible to stop now. The next 12km were a slog, and unfortunately it wasn’t even particularly scenic as we appeared to be walking through the remains of a big wildfire. The cloud descended and obscured the radio tower that was meant to be our finish point. 3km from the end we have a final rest and some of us have a short lie down to energise. We stumble on to the finish line to the glorious sight of our support crew arriving with fish and chips! We finished at 2130hrs. Walking for around 16.5 hours in total.
Then it’s straight to Whitby and to the pub to watch the England vs Norway game.
In total 7 of us started the walk and 5 of us completed the whole thing.
Best wishes,
Sims, Abi, Ben, Fiona, Matt, Otto, Greg (walkers), Daisy and Emily (support crew) from Peak Queer Adventures
Pockets of Humour – Brian Anderson
Will start at beginning – got to Cod Beck at 5AM on the Saturday, met the guide Len and Kathy support driver. The other walker was called Paul from Hull and my name is Brian from Jarrow.
The route was great as was the weather. We had three rest stops at set places. Kathy was always there before us with chairs set up with our drop bags went sweet as a nut.
The whole day went without any issues. Pace-wise spot on – 4 to 5K per hour. Our guide Len had a vast amount of info about the route keeping it interesting with pockets of humour.
The crossing took us a moving time of just over 13 hrs and overall time of just over 14 hrs.
The Radio mast was a pleasure to see at end and a big welcome by Kathy and a gift of the LWW Coffin badge was icing on the cake. I’m sure in future we will be doing it again.
Brian Anderson.
A Wonderful Day – Matthew Kitchen
We finished our crossing yesterday (Saturday 18th July) in 15:10!
Myself, Nick, Ollie, Tim and Charlie followed the traditional route from left to right, and despite the torrential rain halfway through, we had a wonderful day!
A report of a crossing made on Friday 24th July 2026
Walkers:
Matthew Dunford
Cain Hunt
Nick Duff
Giles Bayliss
Support team:
Prem Dunford
Veronica Hunt
Helen Duffy
I write to report a successful crossing made on Friday 24th July 2026.
Starting at 3.30am from the car park by Cod Beck Reservoir, still in the dark but with the first signs of the day in the east, we made good progress up to Carlton Bank. Our support team met us at checkpoint 2. We reached the Lion Inn in good time.
The section after Fat Betty was dry after the exceptionally hot weather we have had. We saw a grass snake on this section. Fresh socks at checkpoint 4 at Hamer helped progress.
Steady progress past Blue Man i’ the’ Moss. Starting to feel tired. A sighting of an adder after Ella Cross.
Very happy to reach the mast and the Lyke Wake stone at around 9pm.
A Family Tradition – Heloise and Claire
I would like to register myself and my friend’s Lyke Wake Walk completion date and time with yourselves.
Heloise Fowler and Claire Morton.
We started it on 20th June 2026 at 09.09am and finished on 21st June 2026 at 08.04am, a time of 22hrs 55mins.
I thought it would be a lovely date due to the Summer Solstice and Father’s Day. My father Ian Milsom (Son of John Milsom – Fylingthorpe Ships in Bottles) sadly passed away earlier this year, and has completed the Lyke Wake Walk five times as a Cub Scout leader. I really hope you have him registered in your archives. Fingers crossed anyway. I thought this would be a good challenge to do in his memory.
I’ve written a little report below for you all to read and a few photos too. I hope you enjoy the read.
Over the weekend for Summer Solstice and Father’s Day, myself and my amazing friend Claire Morton decided to walk the LYKE WAKE WALK Challenge. 40 miles within 24 hours across the North York Moors from Osmotherley to Ravenscar in memory of our wonderful Dads. My Dad did this 5 TIMES! I mean wow, it was very hard and hats off to him for doing it! I visited his final resting place afterwards in Robin Hoods Bay and just said ‘I can’t believe you did that more than once!’
The actual terrain was stunning and it was a gorgeous day. The Cleveland Hills were hard but beautiful and loads of people about. We also came across baby grouse on the way to the Lion Inn, where we chilled and prepared for the night time section, obviously with shandy and chips lol. Essentials.
The next section after leaving the Coast to Coast Path, we then had pure moorland and could see RAF Fylingdales in the distance. The terrain was a mixture of hard and soft worn footpaths and bogs. The heather was just starting to come out and there were stunning cotton plants in the waters around us. The Curlews were also nesting, and we got told off by them for walking the trail. The sunset was glorious and we could see for miles, I also loved that the sun never really went down, there was a faint glow in the horizon which was really special. At about 1.30am we just sat on a rock, turned off our head torches and looked up at the night sky which was absolutely spectacular. We could see the space station too, another truly special moment. We were greeted with a dawn chorus at about 2.30am and at about 3am the sun started to rise again, where we had a gorgeous sunrise.
Across the last 10km we had a mixture of sea fret and sun and came across Lilla Cross and lots of walkers and runners doing ultra marathons.The last hill was a slog and we were truly worn out by the last few kms. But it was so worth it and I’m so proud we completed it.
It’s definitely a challenge though. We completed it in 22hrs 55mins in the end and that included all the stops and shandy at Blakey Ridge, Lion Inn.
I went and lit a candle for my Dad in Bay afterwards and sat by his grave for a while telling him all about it.
A wonderful unforgettable experience
Thankyou again for all you do.
Kind Regards
Heloise Fowler nee Milsom
A Great Plan – Karen and Carl Murphy
Karen once said, “I’ve got a great plan,
Let’s walk the Lyke Wake—come on, Carl, you can!”
Carl looked confused and scratched his head,
“Forty miles walking? I’d rather be in bed!”
But Karen was certain, she’d made up her mind,
“Think of the adventure and views we will find!”
At 4 a.m. the taxi came,
To take them to the start of the Lyke Wake fame.
The driver looked shocked as they climbed inside,
“Forty odd miles walking?” he said, looking wide-eyed.
“Forty point two-eight miles you plan to do?
Are you sure there isn’t a shorter route for you?”
He shook his head and stared in surprise,
“That’s some walk you’ve got ahead,” he said with wide eyes.
Karen just smiled and said, “We’ll be alright,
We’re ready for hills from morning till night.”
Carl gave a grin and adjusted his pack,
“Too late to turn round, there’s no going back!’
With protein bars packed and spirits so bright,
They headed for the moors in the morning light.
Unsupported they walked, with all gear on their back,
No helping hand waiting along on the track.
The sun turned up with a scorching display,
A red-hot monster of a summer’s day.
The hills felt endless, the miles felt long,
But they kept each other cheerful and strong.
Then Karen cried out, “What’s that I can see?
A snake on the path staring back at me!”
She nearly stood on it, what a fright,
The snake probably thought, “I’m quitting this hike tonight!”
Carl said, “Keep moving, we’ve come too far,
We’re not being beaten by a snake on the path where we are!”
Through heather and bog, they battled the way,
Sweating and laughing throughout the day.
Fourteen and a half hours later they cheered,
The end of the challenge finally appeared.
Forty point two-eight miles were complete,
Though their legs were begging for a comfy seat.
Their feet said, “Enough, we’re finished today!”
Their knees replied, “We’re walking away!”
To Grand Villa Heights they slowly went,
Where every last bit of energy was spent.
A shower and a bed felt wonderfully right,
After conquering the moors from morning till night.
So here’s to Karen and Carl’s amazing feat,
Two stubborn walkers who wouldn’t retreat.
They faced the heat, the hills and the snake,
And conquered the mighty old Lyke Wake.
So next time Karen says, “I’ve got a great idea,”
Carl might check the distance and disappear!
But deep down he knows, whatever they do,
There’s no better adventure than one shared by two!
Karen & Carl Murphy – 8th July 2026
Coconut Water and Local Ale – Indy
Hi, I’m Indranath a Sri Lankan completed the walk yesterday! Happy to share my experience with club members.
Report on the Completion of the Lyke Wake Walk
Date of Walk: 1 July
On 1 July, I completed the Lyke Wake Walk as an unplanned solo challenge across the North York Moors. The day began with the earliest train from Huddersfield to Northallerton, followed by a bus to Osmotherley.
I started the walk from the Osmotherley bus stop at 08:40. Conditions during the first half of the route were excellent—warm, dry, and ideal for walking. But costs me litre of coconut water which was my only fluid source. Most of the normally boggy sections had dried out, and even my white walking shoes remained in surprisingly good condition.
I reached the Lion Inn at 14:20, where I stopped for a well-earned break. A pint of local ale (the name escapes me) and half litre of water helped replenish my energy before continuing at 14:40. While I may have forgotten the name of the ale, I will never forget the distinctive smell of the peaty moorland, which is one of the lasting memories of the walk.
The second half of the journey brought a change in the weather. Continuous light drizzle, accompanied by a refreshing evening breeze, persisted for the final 20 km. Rather than making the walk more difficult, these conditions helped keep me cool, reduced the risk of exhaustion, and slowed my water consumption.I reached Flyingdales at 21:02, only to realise there were still around two miles remaining to the official finish. My original plan had been to catch the 93X bus to Scarborough and then the last train back to Huddersfield. However, with the time and distance remaining, I changed my plans and looked for accommodation near Ravenscar. Fortunately, I was able to secure a room at the Grand Villa.
I reached the official finish at the Lyke Wake Walk radio beacon at 21:47, completing the route in 13 hours and 7 minutes. I managed to take the traditional finish photograph in the last remaining daylight, providing a fitting end to a memorable day.
Looking back, I would recommend early July as an excellent time to attempt the Lyke Wake Walk. The combination of dry ground, comfortable temperatures, and long daylight hours made for favourable conditions. Walkers should nevertheless carry plenty of fluids, as the route is remote and physically demanding, with limited opportunities to refill water.
Completing the Lyke Wake Walk alone was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. It required endurance, careful pacing, and adaptability when plans changed. The sense of achievement on reaching the radio beacon after more than thirteen hours on the moors made every mile worthwhile.
Best regards
Indy
Dodging Midges – Dave and Patric
Hello,
I’d like to report a crossing by myself and my good friend Patric, this is our first Lyke Wake Walk completing the walk in 16 hours 47 minutes including breaks on (20/06/2026).
We started at the Osmotherly stone at 4:05am, the sun was just rising with a fair bit of cloud cover, we made steady progress over the first sections with the warning of a heatwave on our minds, luckily a cloudy start to Saturday morning gave us some relief and the heat wasn’t too bad. Once we had hit the old railway line to the Lion pub, the sun came out and things started to heat up although a light breeze was a welcome feature to the walk. The boggy sections were still quite boggy in places and with some “re-wetting” projects going on this too made things a little damp under foot at times. On our way to Flylingdales we were fortunate to see the steam train heading to Pickering and an adder on the path (which I have never seen before).
At times when the breeze stopped, the temperature increased and we were plagued by midges which spurred our pace on to try to leave the midges behind (not entirely sure how successful that plan was!). The last section seems to take an age with Ravenscar mast never getting any closer while traversing through the burnt areas of last years wildfires. With the master in what seemed touching distance we decided to have a sprint finish with whatever energy we had left to the finishing stone. We both had a very enjoyable time, and are looking forward to organising our next crossing in the future!
Best regards
Dave