Coast to Coast


 

THE COAST TO COAST- Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hoods Bay

Neil, Barry, Jaq, Glyn, Julie, Karen and Ian have just completed their second stretch of Wainwright's Coast to Coast walking from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hoods Bay. We were again very fortunate with the weather as we only had one day when waterproofs were really needed.

We travelled up to Kirkby Stephen by train on Tuesday 1st October where we stayed overnight at the Black Bull Hotel. We started walking on the Wednesday which was a beautiful sunny day.  This was a 12 mile walk from Kirkby Stephen to Keld passing over Nine Standards Rigg. It was very boggy underfoot in places particularly where the route cut across from Nine Standards Rigg to Backstone Beck. However, the views all day were quite stunning.

On the Thursday we walked from Keld to Richmond 21miles. We followed the high level route passing through all the mine workings on Melbecks Moor which was quite challenging. As we crossed Level House bridge we had the unexpected pleasure of bumping into Sue and Peter Lomax who walked with us to Reeth. We stopped here for a hot drink and ice cream before continuing on to Richmond.

On the Friday we walked the 23 miles from Richmond to Ingleby Cross which was a bit of a slog and not particularly interesting. The highlight of the day was finding tea being provided at St Mary's Church in Bolton-on-Swale which was appreciated.  

On the Saturday we walked from Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top which was a challenging 12 miles following the Cleveland Way over Beacon Hill, Round Hill, Carlton Bank, Cringle Moor and Wain Stones.

On the Sunday it was Clay Bank Top to Egton Bridge 21 miles. This was our worst day weather wise as it rained quite heavily all day. We were certainly pleased to reach the Lion Inn where we were able to get a very much needed hot drink and a dry out. The cloud was thick and low all day, so we saw very little of the Cleveland Hills or North York Moors which was a shame.

On the Monday, after another hearty breakfast, we set off on our final leg from Egton Bridge to Robin Hoods Bay 17 miles. This was a strange section with a very steep road climb out of Grosmount and some very boggy sections on the moors we crossed. Even the coastal path when we joined it at Northcliffe Holiday Park was very muddy so we were sliding about all over the place. However, our destination was soon reached where we were all able to throw the pebbles we had collected at St Bees into the sea. Mission accomplished!  Thanks to everyone for a very memorable trip.  

 

Photos from Kirkby Stephen to Keld can be seen 'here'

Photos from Keld to Richmond can be seen 'here'

Photos from Richmond to Ingleby Cross can be seen 'here'

Photos from Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top can be seen 'here'

Photos from Clay bank Top to Egton Bridge can be seen 'here'

Photos from Egton Bridge to Robin Hoods Bay can be seen 'here'