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.
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
Summer Crossing – Walk 8 – Graeme Noble
General Information
Date & Start: Wednesday 9 July 2025, starting time 10.30am [from the hotel formerly known as Ravenscar Hall Hotel (up to and past the LWW finish/start stone near the beacon at Ravenscar] – Thursday 10 July 2025 [ending time 9.25am]) at the LWW start/finish stone above Cod Beck Reservoir.
Walking time: 19.47.40
Actual crossing time 22hrs 55mins 23secs.
Total Walking Distance: 44.5 miles
Dirger: Graeme Noble (solo walk)
May I offer condolences to those who read this. May I wish the plague to be lifted upon those who manage to survive to the end of the story and may your life be lengthened in a non-purgatory way if you happen to enjoy any part of the wayward writings that are contained herein. Again, I walked from Ravenscar. I stayed overnight at the Grand Villa Heights realising that it isn’t Ravenscar Hall Hotel anymore. The breakfast was nice, but looking at walls and a car park in the distance isn’t the same as looking over to Robin Hood’s Bay.
I went to have a look at the seals before heading to the Lyke Wake Walk starting point as I knew that I won’t be returning to the hotel anytime soon. The weather soon offered heat and fortunately it provided it throughout the whole walk. I had decided that I’d follow Bill Cowley’s consideration (with a variant) of (walking in reverse to his suggestion, 1964 ed. pgs. 34&35) following Green Dike to Pye Rigg End, where there is a remnant of an old boundary marker (Pye Rigg Howe) and about quarter of a mile further on another boundary stone. Unfortunately, the footpath becomes indistinct at:
Grid reference
SE 971 988
Lat Long 54.37588, -0.50584
and it became a bit of a battle to get to the car park at Helwath Bridge – an hour and a half of laughing, laughing a bit more, occasionally falling into divots and inventing new words of condolent encouragement. Bracken shoulder high and heather sitting in tufted grass with trees self-seeded from the plantation (a bit like what’s happening around Bumble Wood above Wheeldale Moor) hiding the path. However, eventually, and triumphantly I arrived at the A171 where a Spar lorry driver saluted me from his chariot and drove off. Crossing the road (quite a bit of fast traffic) I eventually found my way into Helwath Wood where I met a Vipera berus’ tail as it crossed the path from grass to grass. Little V’s colours of black and orange shifted in front of me and it felt sort of a blessing to have it as a companion on the walk. What a tail…bum, bum as Basil Brush might say. I hadn’t seen any since walk 2.
I jumped over it and it disappeared from sight. Previously, I had received a text from Gerry saying he and Julie were at the waterfall at Bloody Beck having a picnic. Well, we missed, and after a few more texts and phone calls (at this stage Gerry was cutting his way through bracken to get to the second waterfall of which Julie wasn’t too impressed [the power of 4g masts] we decided a meeting wasn’t going to happen. Writing this later I’m beginning to wonder if I was receiving waif messages as I never saw Gerry and although we were ostensibly on the same section of Bloody Beck we never crossed paths but ethereal communications spoke. Scary ! Vera Lynn comes to mind, singing White Cliffs of Dover, with the lyrics ‘we’ll meet again,’ sufficing for that moment and ultimately the October 2025 AGM. For me, the woods surrounding Bloody Beck and the associated Scar and Castlebeck Wood were a truly beautiful experience and one which will remain in my memory.
I then followed the path near Brown Hill up to Lilla Howe (Gerry had said in an earlier phone call that morning that I was a bit south – he was right!) eventually phoning the local fire service as I had noticed a fire close to Derwent Head Rigg. I was thanked for ringing in. Earlier, I had seen smoke drifting toward me and then as the day progressed and a breeze came on the smoke moved around a bit, quite a way from where I was walking, but I felt it important to look after the landscape. I can think of cremated Graeme, but on this occasion humour doesn’t feel appropriate when fellow earth creatures might have been actually dying.
This is a great route if out of the way from the Classic LWW, but a loop suggested by BC. Lilla Howe was resplendent, and I met a sheep who wanted to pose next to the cross, at that point I changed the route I was going to originally take unto Beck Hole and decided to walk the rest of the way following the Classic route. The day was quite hot by now and I looked forward to a good bog soaking in the coming hours. In fact, Ellerbeck was hardly running, voices of the Naiads were quietened and pressing on I eventually arrived at the Stepping Stones below Wheeldale Lodge. Here I stopped and decided to walk back to the lodge and ask for my water bottles to be refilled as I was sure that I was behind time and wouldn’t make the Lion Inn before closing time, indeed I did wonder if I’d make the 24hr time limit due to noticing that I was slowing down in consequence of it becoming very hot.
The chap at the lodge was very helpful supplying me with water and I crossed a very low Wheeldale Beck. I actually thought of walking straight through the water as it was so low. From here the loneliness of the long distance runner descended on me, particularly, as I walked across Wheeldale Moor. It’s a great stretch of land, it’s incessant climb, which somehow needs an electronic footway as found at Manchester piccadilly station-mile, upon mile of metallic moving footpath with a cafe, bar, restaurant to deal with the needs of the hot and knackered walker. A great idea for another place. This stretch did seem to last some! I see that someone has been out with a pot of blue paint and the Blue Man-i’-th’-Moss has been artfully decorated. Smiling, I carried on feeling like Captain Anson in Ice Cold to Alex, similarly, there would be no alcohol until I arrived in Osmotherley.
Shunner Howe raised its head in the distance and somewhat sadly I recognised that time was against my usual Jam Roly Poly at the Lion Inn, and if that were the case the alternative route through the Esklets would happen. During this time, I had been in contact with my wife letting her know what I was doing and she said she was tracing me on ‘Find My’ saying that I looked like one of Michael Bentine’s Potty Men. I was actually raising dust due to the bogs being exceptionally dry but she couldn’t see the small puffs of smoke on her screen. I used to enjoy the simplicity of the daft stories of Potty Time even in my forties. I can see the stage and story now. What a great time. The innocence of life seems to have come and gone. Is that to do with age and experience knowing that death is around the corner constantly nibbling away at the functioning body and brain? Depression at missing a sugary pudding at the time has become deep set and has only recently been lifted by eating chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream!
I suggest that there is a motion at the next LWW AGM for cafe facilities to be built every 3 miles of the route and which must stock food of superb sweetness and a smooth texture to alleviate dehydration and give the gift of living and succour to those of need. Coffee, tea, beer, a decent winery, perhaps even someone or something to carry one across the 40 miles or so. If a steak with pepper sauce etc., could be thrown in so be it. I could manage walking in that type of situation anytime. Luxury is a necessity on a walk like this where the heat burns into the soul and Satin’s claws drag you down into the flames of the dried out crumbling peat. In reality, there is no bog; the bog section of the walk was completed through to Rosedale Road (which is still closed) with my boots dry. A first. No frogs either.
At about 9.30 a cry of a Curlew carried across the moors as accompaniment. A very pleasant sound that filled the pervading silence. Daylight remained until about 11pm and even then it was still glowing glorious red over the moors of Westerdale. Still in a tee shirt I passed Flat Howe, as I knew that I wouldn’t make the Lion Inn before closing so, I continued on above Sweet Banks joining the Esk Valley Walk to descend onto the Rosedale Railway and onwards to Bloworth Crossing. Head torch now off and carrying a lithium cycle light I pondered on how light the night was, sitting at the junction to have a rest. I’d missed the Lion Inn by about 15 minutes so water and tea became rationed.
At Bloworth crossing the temperature dropped a little and I sat musing about being able to see the contours of the landscape at 1pm-ish and how light it was in the sky. The moon above my companion, and as I changed direction it would be to my left or behind me, sometimes glowing pink, sometimes clear with its seas seeming to encourage me to continue. Everything was quiet and it seemed like a god was sitting there with me in peaceful serenity. At the seat opposite the tips below Carr Ridge which is dedicated to the memory of John Meadows and which has been my resting place for many walks I sat and took my boots off and let the feet have some freedom. It felt good to stop. Daybreak was almost upon me at 4am. By the time I descended to Hasty Bank day was upon the Cleveland plain and the reds, oranges and whites of the night time glow were gradually fading and the simmering sun which would conclude my day’s walking began to rise.
At the junction of the Miner’s route I knew that I would make the crossing in the time limit and for some reason that settled me into a faster pace. Here, I came across a plaque dedicated to a deceased Lyke Wake Walker-Robbie. Hopefully, not a future omen. Later, at the cairn on Carlton Moor I met a wild camper who greeted me around 5am from his sleeping bag. We exchanged hellos and off I went to Faceby Bank. This always feels like a good stretch of walk and the views over the now bright Cleveland Plain were spectacular. The air was clear and birdsong sang out.
Through the descent to Huthwaite Green the sun became stronger and the air hotter. I sat at my favourite chair at the green watching an escaped sheep running up and down the road. I thought if something comes down here fast you’re a gonna. How odd that its owner nearly knocked it down in front of me.its Seeing an emergency stop at 6.30am is quite exciting when the last drop of peppermint tea hits the veins. But, the farmer’s Land Rover followed the sheep which had darted off to Bilsdale.
All this motion propelled me to move on and the last thing I saw was the farmer lifting the sheep into the back of his vehicle. That was the most exciting thing to happen on a walk for ages! Clain Wood nearly claimed me as its victim and as I ascended the hill I needed to stop and take a breather every 100 steps. I was knackered! But, a telephone call came through from Kate saying she was close by and would park up at the car park near Cod Beck Reservoir. Orange juice was drunk in gallons. And, that’s nearly the end of this adventure. A great walk. My ‘Ice Cold in Alex’ was a Saint Miguel in Richmond with a ploughman’s lunch. Kate ate a tuna salad Nicoise and then we did some shopping. Sleep didn’t come on until 11pm and I was then thinking of the next route and another adventure.
Bouncy bogs, Blisters, Bunions and a Badger
Years ago my mother and I were discussing what sort of animal we considered ourselves to be like. She was a badger, a creature that most people had heard of, but didn’t really know well; a creature that was family orientated with a love of fun. I was a dormouse, because of my propensity to go off on adventures then come back hungry and exhausted, wanting to eat and sleep.
My mother instilled in me a love of walking and when, many years ago, she completed the Lyke Wake Walk and told me the story of her challenge, I decided that one day I would do it too. The years passed and so did my mother, but my dream of walking in her footsteps remained.
Enter Marie, a good friend who had previously enjoyed a successful East to West Crossing, and offered to walk it again with me. Logistics were not easy and support was scarce, so we set off together, unsupported, on Thursday 25th July, 2019, on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, at 29 degrees. Yet we marched along, happily and confidently until blisters made a brutal appearance, slowing us down and allowing the darkness to enfold us. Finally, on the A171, we called for a taxi to take us to our lodgings. It was a good decision. Not only had the first two numbers turned on answerphones, but the driver for the third had just been about to stop for the night, and with no other support he was our only chance of reaching our lodgings. He kindly came out to collect us.
Back at our hotel, my feet were intact but Marie was suffering with huge areas of sore skin that made me wonder how she had kept going so long. Not to be outdone in suffering, by next morning I was hobbling with hips and knees so stiff I could barely walk, and we commiserated over blisters and aching and mourned our unfinished challenge.
The next attempt, the following year, was even more difficult with logistics, and finally, Marie offered to be my support as I walked solo. This time the blisters attacked me, the darkness fell and again we chose safety over success and again returned home with heads bloody but unbowed.
In 2024, I was determined to complete this walk before my sixtieth year was out. Again I was solo, but Marie was an amazing support, walking to meet me at each checkpoint, and coming along the way as I left, before driving to the next one, and so, with determined marching, a couple of variations, and resolutely ignoring the blisters, I finished the crossing from Osmotherly to Ravenscar, reaching the stone in the dark and too tired to bother with the photo at the finish. As we set off on the drive home, I nibbled some nuts before drifting into a dormouse state of torpor, but not before a movement caught our attention in the headlights by the roadside. It was a badger! It felt as if my mother had been watching over me.
But this successful crossing had one hitch. The trusty guide book warned of dikes and unstable ditches in section 3 – 4, and yes, they were there, and so was water. The white marker stones which, according to the book, make this path “not hard to follow” were very elusive as they disappeared beneath the heads of reeds and I trod in soggy boggy peat and deviated around the clumps and water beds to avoid being sucked into the depths, and I fell foul of some thick and sticky mud which tried to pull my boot off. I finally made it to a road but with no checkpoint in site, and had to sit down to call for Marie, who was trying to work out where I was. When she found me, it was clear that I had deviated at least a mile and after some discussion, I hopped into her car and she drove me back to checkpoint 4 at Hamer.
On the next section, passing Wheeldale Plantation, I again found the path difficult to follow, but got back on track to meet Marie at Checkpoint 5. From there, without further hesitation, deviation or repetition, I had marched resolutely to the finish. I contacted the General Secretary of the New Lyke Wake Walk Club, and explained about the deviation between section 3 & 4 and the car lift to put me back on track, and it was decided I could still count it as a crossing, but somehow, I couldn’t quite reconcile myself to that short ride in the car, even though I had actually added length to the total distance of the walk with my deviation. I cajoled and coerced Marie into yet another crossing attempt!
And so, with a different approach to our logistics, including Sue, who supported us in her campervan, this time Marie and I set out to finish what we had started – walking together, on Friday 27th June 2025. We left the stone at Osmotherly at 0030, watched by the bright yellow eyes of many sheep. By now the route was like a home from home, and we made good time. Sue was there to meet us at each checkpoint, offering her condolences with a doleful face and gloomily predicting problems ahead.
Despite this, we actually caught her napping when we reached The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, at 0930, and here it became apparent that her condolences were well earned. Marie was suffering with pressure on her bunions, which was making each step extremely painful. Even with a dose of analgesia, the pain began to take its toll and so, met again by Sue at the Millenium Stone, Marie changed into a pair of trainers which were comfortable and gave her instant relief from the pressure, and we continued towards the “Bog section” where I had lost my way the previous year. It has to be said that the white marker stones still hid beneath the reeds, but with very few damp areas, we were bouncing along the “boggy” sections which were soft and springy beneath our feet, and with no pain to cause us concern, we were enjoying our walk…sorry, I mean commiserating on how far we still had to go.
We didn’t lose our way here, but on the path to Ellerbeck it was again the supposedly easy path to follow which proved more difficult to navigate. The Blue Man i’ the Moss seemed further away than we remembered, but we found him. However, the “large standing stone” was rather more elusive, and even now we are still not sure which of the many large stones it was meant to be. Despite this, we came out on target at Wheeldale road at 1505, and set off towards the ravine.
The scenery was beautiful and we were now unstoppable, going down and up the ravine like mountain goats. Maybe we were a little too unstoppable, because after leaving Simon’s Howe, on the descent to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line crossing, we somehow missed the path not once but twice, and had to retrace our steps to get back on track. To be fair, the actual path was neither as clear, nor as wide as our variations, but we did realise our mistake and returned to the true path to reach the railway line.
Section 5 – 6 is another path which seems to become elusive and instead of bearing right onto a manmade stony road as the book suggests, our route seemed more direct. Nevertheless, we reached Lila Cross and grieved over the dark clouds behind us and clear skies ahead. After all these elusive paths, we found one of the very few clear signposts indicating the route for the LWW – at a point where the path seemed so obvious we wondered why the post was there at all, but at least we knew we were still heading in the right direction, and trudged along to Jugger Howe where we reverted to mountain goat mode. At checkpoint 6, Sue watched in misery as we came into her view, and woefully commented on our still being able to walk. We left her and gloomily made our way across Stony Marl Moor, reaching the stone at Ravenscar at 2050 hours where we sadly touched the stone together and exchanged condolences that our adventure was complete.
We would like to offer our deepest thanks to Sue who supported us so kindly, and transported us back to our lodgings in her trusty campervan.
We only met one other walker, travelling in the opposite direction, a lovely gentleman called Ian who was walking on a special birthday and stopped to exchange greetings with us – our commiserations to you Ian. Ian told us of some other gentlemen who were ahead of us – it seems they had set off after us but passed us at the time we met Sue for Marie to change her footwear. We hope that they too bounced over the bogs, suffered no bunions or blisters, and reached the stone at Ravenscar. If so, our commiseration to them too.
On a final note, despite our abject misery during this crossing, our pleasure in the nature that we experienced was very great. We saw an owl en route to the start, and a little mouse on Scarth Wood Moor. Marie saw a deer in the Coalmine Plantation, and on the moors in the second half of the walk we saw a slow worm, a little adder, and a lizard. Curlews and lapwings were often around us, a baby thrush was in the heather, and we heard the beautiful and unusual song of a bird we could not identify but believe may have been a nightjar. Beautiful pink orchids, rich and various colours of heather contrasted with the dark peaty moors, and there was a very pretty little yellow flower with a star-like appearance that we have not yet identified.
This walk has been a wonderful challenge and made all the more enticing by the difficulties in completing it. As we sat in our cottage that night, we both said we were glad to have done it, but didn’t think we would do it again.
Next morning, I said to Marie “ How about the other way next year?”
Would Walk Again: Alexander Roach
Account of the Lyke Wake Walk crossing on the 7th July
Beginning at 1:07 am I set out from the west stone by Osmotherly in the dark, following the Cleveland way through the night and up into the tops of the moors where there was a constant fog. I found it better to have lights off for this section as on the tops of the moors the white stone path shone out against the black of the moor.
I kept a steady pace climbing all three hills coming upon the impressive rock formations just as light was starting to arrive. I then walked without break until I came upon the Lion Inn where I was met with bacon and drinks, not from the bar as that was sadly closed, but from my dad who completed the walk with me last year.
I then walked with him for a mile or two where he turned back and I got lost trying to find the path. Once I found it I got lost again when it faded away in the valley by the long grass only to spot the marker stones on the horizon.
I followed them over the moors sticking to the trench I am debating calling the “bone road” or “ash road”. Due to the white rocks on black soil. The rest of the trip was largely uneventful, I listened to my audiobooks and waved my stick around only taking a couple 20 minute breaks throughout.
I reached Fylingdales and still could not find the military road’s start so I trudged up the bog path. Eventually however I got onto it and once I reached the concrete road I jogged the rest of the way to Ravenscar radio mast for a time of 17 hours 31 minutes.
One thing to note is that my good experience was caused by my lack of gear. I had only a 3L water pack and a waist pouch with first aid kit attached, and os course a wooden walking stick I found on trail. Thus I could travel fast and light.
Overall pleasant if hot, would walk again
5 Brave Souls: Ali Cox
Hi – walk commenced at 2.30am on 21 June 2025. A very hot day indeed
5 brave souls set off to complete the Lyke Wake Walk. Sue Turner, Ali Cox, Dod Tinkler, David Koslow and Andy Goodwin. Raising money for Cancer Research UK.
We all had trained hard for the walk which was a good job as it pushed us all to our limits.
We couldn’t have done it without our trusty support team of Clare Koslow, Ellie Turner and George the motorhome.
The walk was completed in 19hrs and 18mins that includes all our stops at checkpoints for refueling our bodies and minds. It was an amazing achievement for our group who’s average age of 60 years young and are all here to live to tell the tale.
A thought to anyone attempting it: Pain is temporary … Glory lasts forever …
First Crossing: Alastair Basden
Reporting a crossing, East to West.
We started at 5:30am on 5th July at the Ravenscar mast (having walked up from the nearby Bent Rigg Farm campsite, and finished at 21:28 at the LWW stone at Cod Beck.
A group of 5, with 3x 17 year olds (M&F), 18 year old (M) and 46 year old (M): Miriam Basden, Matthew Armes, Hector Sequera, Iain Ayres, Alastair Basden, all from Durham.
We had a strong head wind all the way, but the weather was otherwise good, and dry underfoot. Very quiet along most of the route. This was a first crossing for all of us, and we are now planning to cross West to East!
Thanks, Alastair.
New Lyke Wake Club Visit to RAF Fylingdales
Monday 30th June 2025
Various factors, predominantly Covid 19, meant that it took over five years for this visit to come off … still, it was very much worth the wait. A hot Summer day … pretty much unheard of at Fylingdales!
First of all, we were greeted by a friendly security guard who has completed 3 Lyke Wake crossings and numerous other activities in the Lake District … we realised that we were amongst friends and like-minded souls.
Our concept that the military control the base was soon contradicted. The sheep rule, occupying many inconvenient spaces and moving at a pace of their choice … usually, a slow shuffle. We began with a good chuckle as we were down as the New Wyke Lake Club which seemed more fitting than our actual name…..especially on those wet crossings!
Flight Lieutenant Richard Weeks, the Media and Communications Officer at RAF Fylingdales, introduced us to Sarah Newton who makes the show happen. The tea and coffee that began the experience was a lovely surprise, especially as many attendees from various regions were meeting for the first time. Rich and Sarah ran a very slick show with a mixture of videos and talks, followed by Q&A. The 90 minutes tour concluded with a visit to the fascinating archive … time seemed to pass incredibly quickly.
The talk on the role of RAF Fylingdales was both informative and educational. The Lyke Wake Walk appeared on at least one of the many slides used.
Lessons Learned
- We are in Safe Hands.
- If you have any vanity (not a common thing after 33 miles of walking) best not to stop on Fylingdales Moor for a call of nature … the “all seeing eye” is very good.
- If you get lost, don’t climb the fence. Those dogs are alert, quick, and far faster than you.
Many thanks to R.A.F. Fylingdales
First Crossing: Stuart Weston
Hi there, just emailing you about a crossing that I made yesterday, my first ever.
I started at the LWW stone at Cod Beck at 03:30, and eventually arrived at the mast near Ravenscar at 20:30. Two checkpoints were made with my dad who is a resident of Rosedale East, first at Lion Inn Blakey and then Eller Beck.
I should have completed it about 90 mins earlier, but accidentally headed south-east at Hamer and ended up close to the edge of Hartoft Wood, and eventually getting to Wheeldale Road via a broad track, approaching from the south-west.
Can hardly move this morning but it was all worth it. The legs, knees, and feet will be less sore in a day or so, and in the future I could possibly contemplate doing it again, but east-to-west instead of west-to-east.
Thanks,
Stuart Weston
Fashion Boots: The Miller Twins
I’d like to report the crossing my twin (Ruth Willson) and I (Hillary Guerandel) completed on Saturday (28th June 2025). I feel we may have been called Witches in the past but I guess it’s now official!!
Our Mum did the walk in Bally fashion boots (with a slight Cuban heel) back in 1972, we don’t know why but she did, not only was she the talk of the family she was so impressed by the boots she wrote to Bally to thank them (I thing she got some free slippers, I’m not sure she liked them). She had our Dad as support and completed a slightly longer walk with some other relatives (the good old days when it started and finished in the respective villages). But I digress! As such the LWW has always been something on our to do list and so earlier this year my sister and I decided to bite the bullet. Having grown up in Whitby we know the beautiful NY Moors and of course remember the Golf Balls.
We started at 06:14 after a small bicker about where the starting marker actually was (fairly obvious once we spotted it but we can be forgiven our confusion given the anti-social hour) and set off in what turned out to be a slightly overcast and windy day. Two things we will be eternally grateful for given the heatwave that followed on Sunday.
Having never walked the Cleveland Way it was a great start to the day overlooking sights that were part of our childhood, such as Roseberry Topping and the Cleveland and Yorkshire Coastline. We had a slight rude shock with the scrambly bouldery bit but with a strong wind behind us we took it in our stride. Accompanied by the odd comment of “mum did this in fashion boots”.
Checkpoint 2 (Clay Bank) was a highlight as we were greeted by hot bacon sandwiches and tea, made by our brother (Andrew) and my husband (Alex) – the support team. Two very friendly faces who were at every road crossing with water, snacks and words of encouragement (plus a sprinkle of sarcasm and banter).
We made good time to Checkpoint 3 where Andrew joined us for a 5 mile stretch of the walk, whilst Alex, had his “supporters’ pint” in the Lion Inn. Turns out the distance between Checkpoint 3 and 4 is actually longer than 5 miles. I cheerfully told my brother when he’d done 5 miles! As he looked around seeing only the bog, he exclaimed in words I couldn’t share in full here, something along the lines of “well where’s Alex then?”. With Ruth and I only just past the half way mark you can imagine our sympathy at our brother having to walk 6 miles instead of 5! (“Just think Andrew – Mum did it in fashion boots”).
From Checkpoint 4 (Hammer Bank) we started to feel the pain, despite the Compeed (other blister plasters are available) I was developing one on my heel where I’d just got rid of the last one from training and another on my sole. But fresh socks, hikers wool and a large portion of pasta helped us on the way.
From Fylingdales onwards we felt we were on our home turf and the end was definitely in sight but again the stretch to Checkpoint 5 near the Flask Inn was longer than the book promised. There was also a particularly rude valley we had to traverse which we most certainly weren’t anticipating. (Ok ok if I’d done a little more research it was clearly there and should have come as no surprise). It was around here that Dad retraced his 1972 supporters steps and walked out to meet us, sensibly waiting at the top of what I now call “surprise valley”!
Onto Checkpoint 6 with the mast looming and we were not going to stop apart from a quick high five to Mum, who was waiting at the car with the others, and an exclamation of “you did it in fashion boots!!”.
It was now the final, short stretch, the sun was setting over our home town of Whitby and the Mast was actually getting bigger albeit at a glacial pace. On the horizon we spotted our support party and holding hands my twin and we made it to the stone marker at 21:07 for the first, and undoubtedly last, time. (Unless of course the next generation picks up the gauntlet we were handed and we go to meet them.)
The walk was over, the support vehicles were there to transport us and more importantly the bar was still open so we popped into Ravenscar for a swifty that didn’t touch the sides.
Thanks to the supporters past and present, thanks to my sister for the company but mostly thanks to Mum for the inspiration.
The Miller Twins