Distance 17.2 miles
Weather Overcast and cool to start but improved as day went on
Company Solo
My Grading Not a difficult walk but a little further than my usual outing
Today I decided that I would carry a bit of extra weight to see how I coped so besides my usual stuff, I packed a couple of winter jackets and a few other bits n bobs into my 45 ltr sack. It was also a chance to try out my new boots which were a replacement pair for a pair of boots I bought earlier in the year from the Mountain Warehouse in Whitby. The old boots developed a fault after about 150 miles of walking but the shop replaced them with a different model without hesitation.
I set off from my house at about 9.30 am intending to walk north along the coast and either walk home again or catch a bus. the first stage was along the beach to Sandsend. it was one of those mornings when it seemed that the whole world were walking their dogs, I felt quite conspicuous without one. I also noticed that there had been another minor land slip and so I kept a safe distance from the cliffs. when I reached Sandsend I climbed the stairway from the car park and followed the old rail track. It always amazes me haw an area which has been so badly scarred by industrial activity can look so beautiful once nature begins her reclamation work. One of the things that I enjoy about walking in this area at this time of year is the smell and colour of the gorse blossoms which is totally out of character with what is otherwise, a horrible plant.
From the track I climbed up the cliff steps by the rail tunnel and set off towards Kettlenesse. It was beginning to get a little busy now with other walkers always around, at one stage I counted 26 people within a couple of hundred yards of me. One or two of them were were obviously regular walkers but most of the others appeared to be holiday makers enjoying a stroll
As I reached Runswick Bay I was ready for a break so using the old road I climbed to the top and called in at the tea garden opposite the Runswick Hotel for an enjoyable snack and drink before turning for home but using a different route, I followed the road out of the village and joined the old railway again, this section being a permissive footpath owned by the Mulgrave Estate. I often cycle this way but on this occasion one of the gates at the Ellerby Junction end was closed and padlocked so I doubt that I will be able to cycle this way again. It was a lot more peaceful now and the only people I saw was one party of four coming in the opposite direction, and some boy scout's doing their thing at Kettleness Station.
At Kettleness I followed the road to the old chapel and took the footpath over the fields to the Roman Signal Station then on to Goldsborough where the local pub is now a very good restaurant. From there I made my way to Overdale Farm and on to Lythe, then down the hill to Sandsend for the last couple of miles along the beach.
The boots were fine, no problem at all, and more to the point, I was satisfied with my own performance too. I am beginning to feel that I am beginning to regain some of my former fitness.
Weather Overcast and cool to start but improved as day went on
Company Solo
My Grading Not a difficult walk but a little further than my usual outing
Today I decided that I would carry a bit of extra weight to see how I coped so besides my usual stuff, I packed a couple of winter jackets and a few other bits n bobs into my 45 ltr sack. It was also a chance to try out my new boots which were a replacement pair for a pair of boots I bought earlier in the year from the Mountain Warehouse in Whitby. The old boots developed a fault after about 150 miles of walking but the shop replaced them with a different model without hesitation.
I set off from my house at about 9.30 am intending to walk north along the coast and either walk home again or catch a bus. the first stage was along the beach to Sandsend. it was one of those mornings when it seemed that the whole world were walking their dogs, I felt quite conspicuous without one. I also noticed that there had been another minor land slip and so I kept a safe distance from the cliffs. when I reached Sandsend I climbed the stairway from the car park and followed the old rail track. It always amazes me haw an area which has been so badly scarred by industrial activity can look so beautiful once nature begins her reclamation work. One of the things that I enjoy about walking in this area at this time of year is the smell and colour of the gorse blossoms which is totally out of character with what is otherwise, a horrible plant.
From the track I climbed up the cliff steps by the rail tunnel and set off towards Kettlenesse. It was beginning to get a little busy now with other walkers always around, at one stage I counted 26 people within a couple of hundred yards of me. One or two of them were were obviously regular walkers but most of the others appeared to be holiday makers enjoying a stroll
As I reached Runswick Bay I was ready for a break so using the old road I climbed to the top and called in at the tea garden opposite the Runswick Hotel for an enjoyable snack and drink before turning for home but using a different route, I followed the road out of the village and joined the old railway again, this section being a permissive footpath owned by the Mulgrave Estate. I often cycle this way but on this occasion one of the gates at the Ellerby Junction end was closed and padlocked so I doubt that I will be able to cycle this way again. It was a lot more peaceful now and the only people I saw was one party of four coming in the opposite direction, and some boy scout's doing their thing at Kettleness Station.
At Kettleness I followed the road to the old chapel and took the footpath over the fields to the Roman Signal Station then on to Goldsborough where the local pub is now a very good restaurant. From there I made my way to Overdale Farm and on to Lythe, then down the hill to Sandsend for the last couple of miles along the beach.
The boots were fine, no problem at all, and more to the point, I was satisfied with my own performance too. I am beginning to feel that I am beginning to regain some of my former fitness.