My daughter Charlotte Houlgate and I completed the walk a couple of weeks ago
We started in Osmotherley village at 3.58 am (and from the official start at 4.26am) and finished at Ravenscar at 19.26 pm (19.04 pm at the official finish).
We had no support from start to finish.
The weather was perfect for walking – light rain for the first few hours and a cool breeze throughout the day. The only downside was the heavy mist until we reached the disused railway. We had been looking forward to the views but they just never appeared.
Also we arrived at the Lion Inn at Blakey at around 11.20 am so it was closed when we got there and our wait for beer was extended. Rather than hang around for 40 minutes we pressed on to for lunch with Fat Betty.
The boggy crossing was dry and spongy and we bounced along at some considerable pace.
The route was pretty easy to follow and we did not get lost at any time (unusual for me).
Having finished the walk I promptly turned my ankle. I suppose better at the end than the start or the middle.
Our second attempt at beer was thwarted too, as my wife had arrived early to pick us up and with her starting work early the next morning wasn’t keen for me to start imbibing. Such is life.
Charlotte and i enjoyed our day out though, that’s for sure.
David Houlgate – Knaresborough