After a few hours of sleep at Cote Ghyll campsite, Gary, a reluctant Sky (the dog) and I we were up before the midges and on our way full of coffee and porridge. We were nicely warmed up and at the start stone for 0345, greeted by the first light in the east. Sky had seen her first rabbits of the day and was a bit more interested in proceedings.
Happy at the Start……………………………..
The path to Lord Stones was pleasant, with lovely views of mist on the lower land. A few ups and downs saw us nearing the highest point at Round Hill which we made at about 0845. The sun was well and truly with us by this point. We saw Grouse and partridge with young chicks along either side of the path throughout the morning and beautiful purple flowering heather.
We enjoyed the easy path and more beautiful views along the way to the Lion Inn, arriving at 1125. Mrs R was there in her support role, enjoying the sun in the car park and being welcomed by curious lambs. We took a seat for half an hour and stocked up on food and drink for the next leg. Sky left the team here as she was struggling with the heat, being half husky and was getting frustrated at not being allowed to chase anything – being half greyhound.
A check of the feet found no real problems and once we had topped up on suncream we were going again, easing off the start of a few aches.
We followed another walker along the road towards the car park at Seavey Hill, gaining on another Lyke Waker we thought, but he turned off and followed a Coast to Coast sign. ‘A future walk perhaps’ we thought.
We met Fat Betty at around 1315 and carried on with a hint of trepidation about the bog to come. The next section I can only describe as a slog, path finding became a bit tricky, we both fell over a couple of times and at least one boot got full.
Blue Man I’ th’ Moss told us we were on track at around 1645, a better path led us past Raven Stones but Gary was struggling at this point, his knees were complaining after the rough ground. We made it to Keys Beck road where he unfortunately had to withdraw. Mrs R put down her ice cream and came to pick him up.
The team was down to one, but the sun was still out and I carried on to Eller Beck bridge. Here I fed and watered again, treated myself to new socks and top, crammed jelly babies and wine gums in my pockets and set off for the final leg at 1915.
I got to Lilla cross just as the clouds started to build in the east. I carried on, phoning Mrs R to update her on my progress. I said I could see the mast at the end to which she replied ‘what mast?’ after a quick check of the map from me and a confession that she was sat in a fish and chip shop in Scarborough, I was happy I was still on course.
The final few miles were in gathering dusk, I disturbed a few sheep with their lambs on Jugger Howe Moor, crossed a final road and met Mrs R with Sky for the last few yards.
I was presented with an unofficial medal – sourced from a shop in Pickering that engraves dog tags! handed a dram of whisky, and driven home.
What a beautiful day.
I’ll persuade Gary to try again!
James R
Driffield