On Saturday 10th July 2021 we arrived in Osmotherley, as the first cars in the car park, at 3:30 am.
Mist obscured everything more than 10 feet round about, and daylight was therefore delayed. Aided by a hastily scavenged bicycle light, we found the stone and started our crossing at 03:45
Following the purple line on out technology, we stayed on track until the dark and gloom succumbed to visibility.
The first landmark was duly included in a “usie” for posterity. This became an oft repeated practice.
The mist rolled away revealing stunning views, but the weather remained kind by sheltering us from the burning sun.
This self-supporting arch was a nice distraction
Soon after we left the Cleveland way we were passed by a female runner and her pacemakers. This is the ‘easy’ section and she was running at an incredible pace, before we knew it, she was seen climbing out of sight up to Blakey ridge. When we (ages later) reached the pub car-park a passer-by told us that the runner was aiming for the 5hr 30 min record – we hope she made it!
The gravel ‘crunch’ is an annoying noise after a while…
…but the reward of our first meal break raised our spirits
Our much-needed support provided bacon buns, hot coffee, plasters, and so much more! We were to meet on all road crossings from here. THANK YOU TRICIA!
The second-half beckoned, with its bogs and rocks!
As we headed along the road across Rosedale head the serene splendour of Ralphs cross was drowned out by a brace of V8 TVR’s
…….Perhaps they were providing the ‘Bam-ba-lam’ for our ‘Fat’ Betty
Handy signage heled us find our way into the bog!
Knee deep was the worst outcome of judicious footing
Happy to see the blue man
Fylingdales seem an awful long way away at this point!
Having walked down this steep traverse to the idyllic steppingstones….
…we were surprised to see it signposted as a roman road. It is surely like no other!
As we continued, we edged ever closer to Fylingdales
Tempted to put our ears to the rails here
By the time we met Lila Howe Cross, the mist was returning
The effort of the 70 meter Jugger Howe stair ascent was balanced by the irresistible attraction of the finish. The question was whether we would beat the darkness.
Still smiling at 22:00 – our slow crossing taking 18 hrs 15 mins
]Cheers !
