Eight of us set out on what was meant to be very drab day, weather wise.  We were lucky that we only had the wind to contend with…..all that was about to change.  Leaving Osmotherley via the Cleveland Way, we decided to explore its recent newly signposted re-route via the pretty "Our Lady's Chapel" - a well worthwhile detour.  Continuing along the Cleveland Way we took our morning refreshments at the much welcomed undercover Lord Stones; where some indulged with coffee/tea and cake.  Still feeling lucky weather wise we continued further on the Cleveland Way but soon turned South heading over Cold Moor for Chop Gate (pronounced Chop Yat. “It is Old Norse for Pedlar's Way with the 'Yat' being an old Norse word for route or gate). We turned, the weather turned with us promising heavy rain and more wind.  Yippee  L….ahh we don’t mind a bit of rain…..that’s why we have our waterproofs!!  Fortunately for us our lunch break at the village hall Chop Gate kept us dry while we ate lunch.  A number of National Rangers were clearing the path for which we gave our thanks.  Taking the steep climb out of Chop Gate to reach the cairn of Cock Howe.  Not too long we descended the moor close to Barkers Crag.  With no more hills in sight (not true, of course) we proceeded on a large track parallel to Cod Beck Reservoir, eventually picking up the Cleveland Way again to descend back to Osmotherley.   Thank you to all that joined us.  A bright day after all. 

Photos by Wendy Leete

Photos by Robert Cope