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.
Sixty at Sixty by Mike Chatten
I am writing to report a successful crossing undertaken on Friday 22 May 2026.
I retired in 2024 and moved back to Yorkshire. Having completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge with an old friend unsupported in sweltering conditions in 2025, I was looking for an even bigger challenge for my 60th birthday and begun to read up about the LWW. 60km at 60 sounded ideal!
Over the preceding 2-3 months, from my home base within the National Park, I scouted out the ‘moorland’ section of the walk from the Ravenscar Mast to Bloworth Crossing. The main purpose was to try to avoid navigational ‘errors’. I also wanted to understand the sort of walking pace possible so that I could give my support accurate check point rendezvous times.
The crossing was a family affair with my son Jonathan agreeing to walk with me and my wife Julia driving the support car. He doesn’t do lots of walking, but he used to compete at national level in triathlon and still maintains a good level of fitness.
I decided to do a crossing from East to West, mainly because I knew that we could get to Ravenscar a lot quicker than to Osmotherly and could enjoy a bit longer in bed! Experience also suggested that the prevailing wind was more likely to be behind us going west.
My pacing practice suggested that we could achieve a time between 13 and 14 hours. We began our walk from the Mast a little before 6am with a projected finishing time somewhere between 7 and 8pm. To save time and to avoid (me) cramping up by stopping, we planned to eat and drink on the move and to travel as light as possible getting resupplied at 3 points along the way.
Around 1 mile from the start on Howdale Moor, about 50 yards away, we saw a small herd of fallow deer, comprising of a stag with 4 does and a couple of fawns. This was easily the most deer I have seen together on the Moors; they usually seem to be in pairs.
After c.11miles we arrived at 9:30 for our 1st rendezvous with our support vehicle on Wheeldale Road, 15 minutes up on schedule. After taking onboard fluids and food we set off once again with the boggy bits around White Moor and through the fords on Rosedale Moor to ‘look forward to’.
My son took a great photo of us both at Blue Man-I-Th-Moss but then managed to leave behind his borrowed walking pole which we only discovered as we hit the 1st boggy bit a few hundred yards later and balance became a thing!. He offered to go back but I said no, not wanting to add additional distance to the walk.
The next section from Smiths Lane to Knott Road was hard going due to the amount of rain in the days preceding our walk; these notorious boggy bits were indeed boggy! The highlight of the section was coming across an adder on the path enjoying the sunshine. I hadn’t seen one on the Moors until then.
By the time we arrived at our 2nd rendezvous at the Flat Howe (Marjory) exit from Blakey Ridge it was almost 1pm. We had lost the previous time gain and were now pretty much bang on schedule for a time of just over 13 hours.
At this halt, as well as taking more food and drink,I had a complete change of kit (ex-underpants). I had been wearing long trousers to avoid getting my calves torn to ribbons by heather crossing the moorland and was now bathed in sweat and had wet feet from the bogs. I changed into a pair of shorts, put on a new T shirt and socks and changed my boots for walking shoes. This obviously cost some time but gave a mental boost.
Annoyingly, I managed to lose the sketchy track over Flat Howe and the last couple of hundred yards to the railway track were over rough ground and the ditch. In fairness, I had only been over it in reverse and west/east is easier to follow.
Our march down the railway track to Bloworth Crossing was predictably joy sapping, particularly in the relatively high afternoon temperatures. My son had a minor sense of humour failure when I managed to get my ‘bends’ wrong and told him that we would be able to ‘see the Crossing around the next bend’ and then we couldn’t. Also, it was along this stretch that we started to feel ‘discomfort’ in our feet and at the Crossing decided to break open the ibuprofen to ease the pain.
In joining the Cleveland Way shortly after, we entered unknown territory as I hadn’t scouted this out given that the path is easy to follow. I have to say that the scenery on the way into our 3rd rendezvous at Clay Bank was stunning in the afternoon sunshine!
We descended to the B1257 and arrived at our rendezvous at 4pm which was around 20 minutes behind my schedule. By now the painkillers had made us less foot sore and, after a brief to stop to refill water bottles and food boxes we began our steep climb up Hasty Bank in good spirits, knowing that we now would now finish.
We crossed the Cleveland hills taking the climbs steadily sticking to the Cleveland Way and ignoring the low-level options. By the time we got to Huthwaite Green, however, we were tired and ‘keen’ to see the finish line. My son then suggested that we stay on the road via Swainby back to the reservoir rather than go via Clain Wood. He thought that this would be easier and I was too weary to think properly about the change of plan!
The diversion however added 1.5 miles to our journey and Coalmire Lane eventually gets very steep slowing us down further. We arrived at the LWW stone adjacent to the Quarry Lane Car Park just before 8pm meaning that we crossed walking only in almost exactly 14 hours for the 38.25 miles.
I wouldn’t have been able to maintain the required pace without logistical support keeping rucksack weight down. I have had problems with severe thigh cramp in hot weather in the past and drunk 12 pints of diluted juice on this walk, (half with added electrolytes). When I weighed myself the next morning, I was 3lbs lighter than usual (hooray!) which seems to have been due to fluid loss given that I was (boo!) back to ‘normal’ 24 hours later. So still dehydrated despite all the juice!
My wife had a long and arduous day too. As well as the 3 pit stops, she was up early to deliver us to the start and was also there at the end to pick us up. In all she drove a total of 230 miles and we were grateful for it.
I had my “never again” moment the next morning due to blistering, but now, a few days later with reduced swelling, am thinking about the next challenge!
The Return of Gerry Orchard
Crossing report Gerry Orchard
Thursday 09th April 2026
Those of you who know me will understand my feelings of a condemned man being reprieved.
For several years, I have been “medically stuffed” and unable to walk any meaningful distance and a walk of only a few miles left me barely able to get around the house for a few days. Well, thanks to James Stanley and his wonderful team at York Hospital, I was given a second chance ………………. OK, I am now an “old git” of over 70 years physically, however, mentally, I am still a teenager!
09th April saw me undertake the Lyke Wake walk for the first time in many years supported by my stressed and concerned partner, Julie. The first part of the walk went surprisingly well and the first issue arose on Wheeldale Moor where I completely forgot the route and ended up heather bashing for ¼ mile! Jugger Howe beck was a real landmark. I required 2 rests ascending the Eastern side and my Garmin had my body battery as flat lining ………………. I kind of felt that way. Luckily, I was saved by Julie, who had walked out to meet me and provided me with nutritious “stodge”.
Blimey, I was tired at the end. 14Hours and 49 minutes total time. Only one other person was encountered on the route – a lady walking two dogs near Clay Bank who was far too cheery for such a sombre occasion.
Will I do it again? Well, a sane person would retire…………………….
The Wondering Goose Wild Women!
I’m not dressing this up.
The Lyke Wake Walk chewed us up, spat us out, stamped on us, reversed back over us, and asked if we were enjoying our little day out. It broke us, rebuilt us, broke us again, and then laughed while we limped past. From about mile 31, my spirit packed its bags and said “good luck babes”.
Those famous last words — “it’s not as bad as I thought” — aged like a pity plum left in the sun.
But these women?
These feral, bog‑trotting, toe‑counting, unhinged, warrior women and pure legends? They dragged each other across the moors with the energy of a pack of bog‑witches fuelled by many a sandwich, snacks, trying to work out if we had actually eaten more than the 6000 calories we had burnt and the promise of sitting down again one day.
The checkpoint crew were our coven of daylight‑saving angels. They turned up with early morning hugs, cheerleading pom pom, banners, balloons, snacks, and massive energy and enough grub to feed 20 of us. You resurrected us when we were broken, starving?, and questioning why humans have legs at all.
We wild‑weed together like it was a communal hobby.
We cried our way through the dark moments, but Werther’s helped too.
We counted toenails like we were doing inventory for a museum.
We even ran out of conversation. I know!
The women who can talk for 15 hours straight about snacks, dogs, trauma, and the weather. Silence. Actual silence. That’s how you know it was bad.
The last two miles were longer than the entire history of the universe. And that beacon? With the power of delusion and the love of Polly, we convinced ourselves we were strolling up to the Eiffel Tower for a romantic dinner in Paris. Delirium had the wheel. We were just passengers.
Over 103,000 steps, 40+ miles, under 15 hours, and not a single one of us got swallowed by a bog (though it tried).
Boom. Done. Cursed. Blessed. Bonded for life. Never again……..
Erica, Polly, Lisa, Leela, Karen, Jess, Louise
Wandering Goose Wild Women
W to E 16th May 2026
14hrs 49mins walking time
Happy Birthday Rebecca
Lyke Wake Walk date = 2.5.26 (E-W)
A fantastic day with a great group. The conditions were exceptionally dry for May and it was hot.
my group completed in just over 16 hours (The quicker group with Len at 14hours)
We saw a large group crossing for a veterans charity and Kathy introduced us to the legendary Mrs Chapman ‘running’ her 60+ crossing!
I perviously did the LWW for the first time 26.06.10 (W-E) but cannot remember my time.
Much preferred walking E-W.
A wonderful experience !!!
Might be tempted to do it again when my blisters heal and ankles calm down!
There’s something about the walk that just gets under your skin and so proud to say I’ve completed it.
I did it with my husband and friends for my 40th Birthday…
*Rebecca Smith
*Joseph Smith
*Michelle Taylor
*Andrew Taylor.
French Rock Salt Wins The Day: Mark Malkin
Completed my first crossing yesterday (18.04.26) with Kathy Finkel’s LWW crossing group – ticking off a bucket list endeavour at the age of 65 was fantastic! The whole day (and very early start) was fantastic if tiring but so so worth it – even took in the 3 sisters on route ! Managed to complete before the need for a head torch which enjoyed being carried for 40 miles!! Touch of cramp at 32 miles quickly cured by dose of French Rock Salt!
I swear that communications mast at Ravenscar was being moved back as we tried to reach it – Ha! Highly recommend if able!
Regards
Mark Malkin
Beverley
East Yorks
50 Years Ago – Geoff Hayes
Weekend 9/10/11 April 1976:
I was a member of the Bourne Venture Scout Unit walking group, comprising of feeder groups 4th Purley, 10th Purley, 20th Purley and 26th Purley in the Scout County of Greater London South West. Approximately 12 Venture Scouts undertook the walk with 2 minibuses in support. We walked from West to East (Osmotherley to Ravenscar), taking approximately 22 hours. We would have completed the crossing sooner, but one of our group collapsed 1 mile from the finish. We huddled around him to keep him warm until the minibus arrived and he could be treated.
Weekend 24/25/26 March 1978:
A second crossing with the Bourne Venture Scout Unit, again West to East, with 2 minibuses in support, in approximately 20 hours. A group of approximately 12 walkers.
Interestingly on both occasions, around RAF Fylingdales, our compasses began to act strangely, resulting in our getting lost, before we found the main A road and could resume our course. We’ve always assumed it was the strong EM force around the radars that caused the malfunction.
Regards,
Geoff Hayes
John Swanson – Crossing No. 6
22/23 February 2026.
East-west, solo, unsupported except for a stop at the Lion Inn.
16½ hours including the hour in the Lion.
Somehow, without having planned it, I’d arrived at five crossings, including in both directions and an unsupported solo; so thoughts naturally turned to a winter crossing. After support from my wife last time, which certainly led to my personal fastest crossing, I also had a yen to put aside all the planning and coordination of multiple rendezvous at road crossings and return to the simplicity of setting out at one end and emerging at the other end under your own resources (though as I planned to stop for dinner at the Lion Inn, I wasn’t being as purist as all that…) And in another gesture to the original spirit of the Walk, I wanted to do the complete classic route, Raven Hall Hotel to Trig Point.
So I train-and-taxi’d to Ravenscar (no buses on a Sunday) and started at 1030. The first thing that hit me, about five steps in, was the headwind. When either walking or cycling into winds, I always feel an urge to keep going at the speed you think you ought to be going, thereby expending a lot more energy, so I consciously told myself to slow down a bit. This did not need to be a fast crossing. The next point of interest was the devastation of last year’s fires round Jugger Howe and Fylingdales. I thought Lilla Cross looked quite noble in its small oasis of unburnt grass, a symbolic survivor of historic heritage against a background of blackened heather. Incidentally, the couple of dog walkers around Lilla Cross and Eller Beck were the only other walkers I met on the entire crossing.
As January and February had filled with relentless rainfall, I’d worried about the accumulated water, and in the weeks beforehand had sought local knowledge from the helpful LWW community online. In the event, the Wheeldale stepping stones were partially under water but still passable, and I didn’t think the bogs on Wheeldale and Rosedale moors were that much worse than usual. Remarkably, given I’d fixed the date well in advance, I turned out to have chosen a largely rain-free window, just a few patches of mizzle. The forecast had one belt of heavy rain passing through; as I sat scoffing chips in the Lion, people were coming in saying it was pouring outside; but even more remarkably, when I came out, now in full darkness, the rain had stopped. The wettest of my crossings so far remains July!
The crescent moon was just bright enough to do the railway section without using torch, then when it set, the sky was still fairly clear. Coming over the ups-and-downs of the Cleveland Hills, each time I dropped down, Orion would disappear behind the black bulk of the next hill ahead of me, then reassuringly reemerge as I crested it. Walking over those tops under the stars as midnight passed, knowing I was in the final stretch (and no doubt benefiting from a healthy dose of endorphins), seeing house lights spread across the plain below and imagining the poor souls asleep (“gentlemen in England now a-bed”) missing out on the experience I was having, I became distinctly euphoric and felt as if I could keep going for ever: “A song we’ll sing as on we swing with sure and steady tread… Our steps the gods shall guide.” Of course, Cowley in that poem Storm Longing also presciently included the line “Where the high winds never rest”, and that headwind now seemed even stronger. The wind and wet flagstones led to a not always very “sure and steady tread” and I lost footing several times, one of them landing on my walking pole and buckling it.
So I arrived at Beacon Hill at 3am, and merely had to slither down the muddy tracks through Arncliffe Wood to the excellent Park House B&B where my wife kindly (and with the kind approval of the owners) admitted me for a couple of hours sleep before breakfast. Some walks you do primarily for the physical challenge, but some engage you in more than just the miles walked and feet gained: with land and place and heritage. “Come, friends o’ my heart, to the hills we’ll fly…”
A Day Of Two Halves – Steve Callender
Accommodation: Osmotherley YH and Ravenscar Hall Hotel
Date of Crossing: Wednesday 23rd July 2025.
Starting time 05:04 at the LWW start/finish stone at Cod Beck Reservoir.
Finishing time 22:21 at the LWW start/finish stone near the Ravenscar mast.
Crossing time – 17 hours 17 mins
Distance walked – 41.25 miles (66.38km)
Dirger: Steve Callender
It is with deepest regret that I report a successful solo, unsupported, West to East crossing on Wednesday 23rd July which was a day of two halves and a sultry lesson to someone who thought he could navigate in low cloud and rain without bothering with a compass!
Osmotherley Youth Hostel was remarkably quiet for July and I had a shared dorm to myself which was a welcome surprise and meant I didn’t disturb anyone when I was up at 04:00 to get ready and head off the the standing stone at the head of Cod Beck Reservoir. A lovely dawn morning and a pleasant temperature for walking as I said farewell to the starting stone at 05:04, which by sheer co-incidence was precisely sunrise.
A great mornings walk awaited following the Cleveland Way, with the only disappointment being the morning mist across the plain towards Middlesborough which limited the view. I was making good time, although the number and steepness of the descents and ascents between Heathwaite and Wain Stones was a surprise and something I hadn’t anticipated.
As I walked the easier section towards the Bloworth Crossing and the Lion Inn, the sun started to disappear behind cloud and by the time I arrived at the Lion Inn, the waterproofs were on. “It’s not too bad” I thought as I made a brief stop at the Inn for a warm drink and to fill up my water bottles (they are very accommodating). Leaving the Lion Inn the weather was still drizzly but not unpleasant and I walked towards what I knew to be the ‘real’ challenge of the LWW.
By the time I arrived at Loose Howe the rain had increased in intensity and the cloud was down so visibility was only 50 metres or less. At first there was a faint path to follow, then a track through long grass with occasional white sticks. Then I was in the heather and bog and featureless moor heading in a straight line to Shunner Howe – or so I thought. In the cloud and the rain I would see a white stick and walk toward it, then look for the next stick and walk toward that. ’These are really helpful” I thought. Twenty or so minutes later, a horrible realisation dawned. The wind and rain that had been hitting my right side was now hitting my left. Out with the compass and yes, I’m heading back towards the Lion Inn! Turned round, took a bearing and set off again, this time in the right direction and following the compass.
Time passed, the rain eased, the cloud lifted somewhat and everything became clear again. Once i’d crossed Wheeldale Beck it just became a case of mind over matter. The walking generally isn’t difficult although Flyingdales never seems to get any closer which makes it feel like the end will never arrive. And Jugger Howe Beck is a nasty surprise – in the rain and mud and bracken I ended up on my backside – very unhappy! Sunset came at 21:15 but by then the route was clear and a head torch was barely needed until the last 30 minutes. The standing stone near the mast was visible in the gloom so I got the photo I needed before heading on to the Ravenscar Hall Hotel. The night porter was very understanding as he checked in a somewhat bedraggled, wet, tired hiker at 22:40. And at least the bar was still open!
I had recorded my walk on the MapMyRun app and looking at the route I’d walked it was amusing to see I’d walked two very neat circles near Cock Heads which had added about a mile extra to the walk. At least next time I’ll know…
A Family Affair by Sally Parkin
My Lyke Wake Walk Crossings’ Report: A family thing
Sally Parkin
For the purpose of this report I have decided to document my Journey to Doctorate. The times, elevation and miles are all taken from my recorded Strava. There is some variation due to different route choices taken and one detour on my Winter crossing (which added on a couple of miles) after the weather conditions made the river crossing at Wheeldale Beck far too dangerous.
Crossing 1:
16 August 2021
40.37miles 4982ft
West-East Solo Unsupported
11hrs 20
I first heard of the Lyke Wake Walk from a friend whose parents had done the crossing and it immediately peaked my interest. I love a coffin route and the history fascinated me. I began my first crossing solo and unsupported on 16 August 2021. I had bought Brian Smailes’ book, read some previous reports and stories in the Facebook group and set off just as daylight began. This crossing took me over steep hill climbs and descents. It was a route I would follow for the next 2 crossings before realising that route variations were permitted and that I would be able to contour around those three big lumps.
I decided to do a solo unsupported crossing primarily to see if I could. One of the challenges for me was carrying 5 litres of water and enough food to keep me fuelled (I love food).
At the time of my first crossing, I had about 3 years of long distance running experience, although many of these miles were in the company of others or as part of a race. The thought of spending time alone and tackling something like that without support interested me, this was new territory. It was also just over a year since the first COVID lockdown, when the walls of our house seemed to move closer and the noise levels even higher. To be honest, I think I was perhaps just looking forward to some peace and quiet. So early in the morning my husband dropped me off at Osmotherley and drove our son to the coast for a day at the beach and I set off ladened with snacks and water.
That first crossing was light and breezy, whilst the elevation at the beginning of the route made it challenging, it was manageable and the good weather conditions made for a great day out. I tracked the route on my map and flicked through the pages and pictures of the book, following each turn and stone and story with each step forwards. I ran sections of it and hiked others, arriving much later than I anticipated (the mast that never seems to get any closer!) arriving in Ravenscar as the sun was setting. I piled into the van and called my mum on the way home to tell her, to which she replied…
“The Lyke Wake Walk…? I’ve done that! I’m a Mistress of Misery!”
What I didn’t know before I started my crossing was that my family had a long standing connection with the Lyke Wake Walk. My maternal grandad had completed 4 crossings, my mum had completed 3 of those crossings with him in 969 (at the age of 14). I had no idea up until that point that she was a Mistress of Misery, it’s something that was completely omitted in the retelling of my family’s folklore. Not only on my mums side of the family, but my dad had also completed the crossing when he was in the Police force, as had my Uncle.
I was well aware of my family’s connection to other long distance events (Haworth Hobble and Fellsman, both events which I have also completed) but not to this one. I found it interesting how the Lyke Wake Walk had also pulled me in, albeit without knowledge of my family’s connection.
On uncovering my family’s history with the route, I couldn’t help but feel that the Lyke Wake Walk is my birthright, and so the seed was planted to do more crossings and the real planning began.
Crossing 2:
4 August 2022
40.52miles 4664ft
East-West Crossing
10.38hrs
Which way is easier? I’m not sure whether it was because I wasn’t carrying the 5 litres of water I had carried on my solo crossing, but East-West felt so much easier, despite the hilly climbs at the Osmotherley end. The moorland was dry underfoot and I was able to run parts of the route. It also felt familiar to me, there were less unknowns, although I was running in the opposite direction. My husband and son met me at the road crossings with water and food and cheered me on. I looked forward to these little breaks and knew that it wouldn’t be too long before I saw them again. This helped me to break up the crossing into manageable chunks, the importance of those little lifts in mood when I saw them can not be underestimated.
It is days like this that I really remember the love I have for long distance running. Near perfect conditions, the sky putting on a perfect display of deep blues and golden yellow, the purple hue and intoxicating smell of the heather. It was the thing of dreams!
My East-West crossing was just incredible and I think set in my mind a strong preference for heading West (which would later influence my decisions on future crossings). The weather was perfect and there were very few people around (just a couple of C2C walkers). I saw two snakes, one was a small grass snake and the other was an adder both moved pretty quick as soon as I went to take a picture so missed them!
Crossing 3:
11 February 2024
Winter Crossing – East to West
42.12miles 5152ft
13.23hrs
I decided to do the Winter crossing East-West with my friend Dawn. This was her first crossing and would be her first walk/run at that distance (so she really had no idea what she was letting herself in for). Luckily for me Dawn is not only resilient but she is also incredibly stubborn. A good mix when you take on challenges such as this.
The weather forecast was for heavy rain but that was due to clear around midday. We layered up with waterproofs and were dropped off by the radio mast in the pitch black and driving rain by her husband. We set off at 6.30am with our head torches on, laughing to each other at just how ridiculous it was to be embarking on such an adventure, at such a time of day/ year. The first 20 miles were wet and we spent much of that time wading through paths that were largely made up of rivers and waterfalls. When we crossed moorland, it was boggy and uneven and very hard going under foot.
We jogged where we could, which was not a lot. We spotted a headless dove at one point which was early on enough for it to be ominous.
About 3hours into the crossing I realised that I was completely wet as my waterproof jacket was leaking. I managed my temperature well – adding more layers and eating, but I knew that this crossing was over unless I had a kit change. My mum and dad were going to meet us with hot water – a quick call home and they brought ALL my clothes too.
When we reached the stepping stones at Wheeldale Beck, the river was too fast to cross and we made a detour, adding more miles on. It was frustrating and disheartening. By 2pm it was still raining and we were fast talking ourselves into an exit plan. A quick list of everything that was going right (no injuries, legs felt ok, dry forecast) and we decided to continue. My mum and dad met us with extra clothes and I was able to change into dry clothes and have a warm freeze dried meal.
The second half was completely different to the first, although the steep ascents and descents were challenging and we were now in the dark, the weather was dry, which made navigation much easier. Again we were rewarded with the most stunning sunset and star full of skies.
We sang, moaned, swore and dragged our bones the next 20 miles to the finish and John and Pizza and hot tea.
Crossing 4:
5 August 2024
Guided crossing West-East
38.44miles 4446ft
14hrs 50
There are some times in life when you get pulled to do things that you haven’t done before and are a little out of your comfort zone, but it just feels right – and it turns out to be one of the best decisions! That was the case for me on 5 August 2024 I booked on a guided crossing with Kathy and met a group of strangers in the middle of nowhere at 5am to cross for the 4th time.
This was a brilliant idea for a couple of reasons. Firstly I had company! At this time my husband was poorly and unable to get out of bed due to and undiagnosed Thyroid condition. This meant he was unable to assist with the crossings as he had done previously. Secondly I met a group that I would become friends with and keep in touch and thirdly I learned of the variation of routes that meant I was able to contour around the three big hills near the beginning of the crossing.
This crossing was an absolute joy, I met some really nice people and although was longer than my other crossings, was arguably much more fun because of those who I met in the pitch black at 5am. That time was particularly challenging for me as a family, to know that I was still able to get out there are do things was really important.
Crossing 5:
26 August
East to West
37.71miles 3967ft
12hrs 24
What a day!! On my 5th crossing I as accompanied by my friends Kate and Lucy. Lucy accompanied us 20miles to Blakey and Kate completed her first crossing with me. This crossing was a joy and made me realise just how much easer things are with friends. Although we carried all our own food and water, the weather was stunning and the company was great fun. I know some days I make photographs appear to be more fun than it actually is, but I can honestly say that this crossing was so joyful. I think it also lay the foundations in my mind that to end on a double crossing was not only a possibility, but definitely well within reach (rather naively). Special thanks to Kathy (who guided us on crossing 4) for providing a lift to the start.
Crossing 6 and 7:
24 May 2025
The Double Crossing
74.15miles 8172ft
23 hrs 35
On 24-25 May 2025 I completed crossings 6+7 of the Lyke Wake Walk, it seemed like the most appropriate way to the Dr of Dolefulness, to end on a grim double crossing. The plan was to park at Blakey Ridge and head out East to Ravenscar and back, before heading out to Osmotherley and back. My husband was going to accompany me and we had arranged for friends to meet us at both Ravenscar and Osmotherley with food/water. I thought going in May would maximise my chances of good weather.
The out and back to Ravenscar was really great, the weather was perfect (dry but not too hot). We ran, chatted and generally had a great time. There were some typical ominous Lyke Wake Signs – two dead birds, a dead sheep all within the first 5 miles, but we were in great spirits overall and buoyed further by the worlds most amazing picnic thanks to Lee Walker – sweets, pizza, melon, coke, ICE CREAM.
After 25 miles John was struggling, it was only a few weeks after a Fellsman finish for him and only a few months after he was finally stable and on medication following his diagnosis. And so back at Blakey Ridge John switched to crewing, taping my feet, changing my socks and clothes and feeding. I headed out into the night after a quick change of plan: Caroline would accompany me to Os and Ian would come back with me to Blakey Ridge. As we headed out from Blakey Ridge, I took a wrong line on the moors which led to us having to turn back uphill. It was dusk and wet under foot and so frustratingly disheartening. My mood was low and as the head torches went on I could feel that familiar creeping dread and familiar rub – of not wanting to continue but knowing that I couldn’t stop. High on the moors in the middle of the night I resolved to finish at Os, after 1.5 crossings.
I had been in this place so many times before and if there is anything I’ve learned from those times, its that who is around you and what they say in that moment has a massive impact on how you respond and what happens next.
After telling Caroline I was going to stop once I had finished this crossing, she knew exactly what to do and say – a hug on the moors and promise of a ‘reset and tea’ and we carried on to the next crossing. There I was met by John who bundled me into the van and helped me get changed out of my wet clothes. A few more spoonfuls of food and more sweet tea and I headed back out towards Osmothersley with the promise of a 15 minute sleep ringing in my ears. It’s amazing what little promises dangled in front of you like carrots keep you putting one foot in front of the other. I knew and they knew that I wouldn’t be stopping until it was over. So I quit with my moaning and carried on.
One of the remarkable skills I have is an ability to sleep anytime, anywhere for relatively short periods of time. 15 minutes in the car at Osmothersley felt like a full night, I woke up well rested and was accompanied by Ian for the last 20miles. Ian definitely got the short straw on that crossing. I shouted, swore and promised myself never to do anything like this again. I vowed a future of hobbies that involved sitting in bed smoking black cheroots and knocking back bourbon. Ian said I could do whatever I wanted so long as I kept moving forwards. At times he would distract me with moorhen chicks, other times he danced ahead whilst I followed on like a belligerent child. My feet had never hurt so much.
Life and death have been pretty consistent themes during all of my crossings, both literally and internally. I am particularly interested in the edges of yourself that doing things like this can take you to. Ive found that something quite dark and ethereal happens when I move my move for this long. It forces me to access the quiet parts of myself. Theres a rhythmic stillness in the discomfort where I learn so much although I am never sure how long I will stay in that place for, one things it for certain – it will come and it will hurt and the choices you make when you are there come really important. There are also periods of absolute fun and of people surrounding you with love, which really helps you to move along. It’s a little microcosm of life, and I guess that is what keeps pulling me back
L-R Double crossing, notes on my grandad’s map
Sally Parkin October 2025
Tell me of the purple heather, heady and thick
of golden sunrise over rugged paths
that reach ahead to horizons unseen
Tell me of the folded corners
of well thumbed maps
of fingers tracing contours
tracking each dip and steep ascent
Tell me of pages folded
knowing a little of you will also be folded in on yourself so the corners of what you thought impossible surface
an origami adventure
Tell me of the bags packed with excitement
of 3am alarms and hailing rain
cutting across that bleak landscape
and across a little bit of yourself
Tell me of the winds that drive us both towards each other and away
from ourselves
from the comfortable mundane
Tell me of the sunset that came too soon and not soon enough of wanting to stop,
but knowing that to stop would deny an ending
That familiar rub
Tell me of the howling winds across barren moorland
of sobs and clenched fists,
of bones that ache
of tears running in swollen rivers with feet on fire
Tell me of the detoured paths and hail driving pin pricks into red cheeks and I’ll tell you of the care
that carried us both
into the dark heart of that night
Tell me of the long miles awake
and I’ll tell you of the hands that hold
of the close hugs on midnight moors
of the love that was shared at each road crossing
of moorland picnics, laughter and star jumps
and pop up tuck shops where you pay with a promise
to make it
I’ll tell you of the sweet tea brought to dry lips
and spoon fed childlike dinners,
tenderness
I’ll tell you of wet clothes stripped from tired cold bodies replaced with warmth and rest
I’ll tell you of 15 minute sleeps that feel like a full night
that reset and turn you back out again
I’ll tell you of the relentless draw of the wild places
of stones that mark the way and pull you away from everything you know yet also, in your bones,
tell you that you are home
I’ll tell you what it is like to climb that last rise,
to lay a hand on that stone,
to fall into the arms you love
and to know you
yes, you
you did that thing.
Sally Parkin October 2025
Here Lie Two Brothers…
To mark the crossing of Dirger Steve and Dirger Mick Jones, I provide the following…
Here lie two brothers, stout of heart and sore of heel,
Who dared the Lyke Wake’s windswept ordeal.
Mick, first of his families name to cross the moor’s span,
And his seasoned brother Steve, a twice-walking man.
Through bog, stone, and bracken they strode side by side,
No blister nor cramp their spirits could hide.
Raise a glass to their crossing, their fellowship tight—
Two brothers, one trail, and a long, noble plight.
Yours in misery, Dirger Steve
