Unsupported Crossing: 01st October 2022. Martin Assame and Jude Rivers.

October 10th, 2022

It is with deep regret I can report a successful unsupported East to West crossing on the 1st October 2022 of myself, Martin Assame and Jude Rivers

Start time:  0000hrs Saturday 1st October 2022
Finish time:  1600hrs Saturday 1st October 2022
Crossing time:  16 hrs (Moving time 13hrs 35mins, if interested!) 
 
October is not the most appealing time of year for such a crossing but with a brief window of opportunity the day was seized and we found ourselves (with the help of very understanding partners) at the Lyke Wake Stone at midnight. At this hour, sleeplessness was the main enemy but a ‘refreshing’ hour of rain ensured we kept our wits about us on the early ascents/descents which passed quickly by despite use of auxiliary lighting! This led to a presumptuous feeling we could get to the pub for a  few hours before collection.
 
Little did we know as we rounded Blakey Ridge to find the Lion Inn and a clear sky, sunrise what was in store. After a food stop and well needed change of socks we entered the peat bogs of Shunner Howe descending both literally and metaphorically from there. Mile after mile of peat bog, puddles, rocks and the developing blisters/foot pain dampened the thoughts of the pub with finishing becoming the main goal.
 
After completion of the technically challenging peat bog, the remaining ‘easy section’ became more and more challenging as our fatigue and blisters set in. Spirits were lifted after reaching the stepping stones, railway crossing and Jugger Howe Beck in what was a battle of wills between head and foot. We finally reached the Antenna at 1600hrs, fatigued but safe and with a great sense of achievement.
 
This was a tough walk and certainly in the ‘retrospective’ fun category but after a few days we are contemplating our next crossing!
 
Regards,
 
Martin and Jude

 

KR’s
 
Martin

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Crossing : 29th June 2022. Mark Brain & Paul Hudson

September 28th, 2022

Date 29 Jun 2022
Weather – wet then dry.
Mood – dark then bright then dark. Finally bright again.
Feet/muscles – fine then sore. Remaining so.
Time – 16.5 hours


Paul and Mark, a couple of 50+ year old, retired (long retired) marathon runner/triathletes, ex-RAF, resurrected themselves to take on the walk. A 12,000 mile journey for one from New Zealand, and a long drive from Scotland for the other, to toe the start line.

An 0300 start at Osmotherley saw us launch into it at top speed (about 3 mph) and over the ‘hilly-holey’ section of the walk. Some rain and wind ensured we didn’t overheat, and arrived at the disused railway feeling okay, if somewhat damp, and with nothing to see due to the clinging fog. Still, we did spot the Lion Inn through the mist and managed a cheeky coffee and sock change, resisting the temptation of a beer, which was offered despite it being before opening time.

Back out onto the path and the sun had come out raising our spirits and perspiration levels. The bogs were in good springy condition which was good for Paul’s by then tender soles. As the heat rose and the pace dropped, moors came and moors went, Fylingdales remained tantalisingly far away and muscles started to complain.

Onwards we pushed, finally passing Fylingdales and eventually getting a tantalising glimpse of the radio mast in the (very dist

 

ant) distance. Feet were now sore, blisters making themselves familiar with us, and with water all gone delirium and expiration a slim risk. The long stretch of concrete to the final road crossing was purgatory, even the sheep looked at us with sympathy. A relatively busy Thursday evening had us hobble-jogging across the road like a couple of geriatrics for the final dusty trudge to the mast.

Arriving at the mast just as our lift did, we were whisked away to the Raven Hall for a beer at about 7.30pm

           

 

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