We're home already! But what a way to spend a fortnight.We woke up this morning to find that mist was once more shrouding the sea but there was a hint of sunshine trying to burn through.
Having packed our bags we had breakfast before wandering down the hill to say cheerio to the sea before heading home. All of the shops in Robin Hoods Bay open at a very civilsed 10:30ish so any further shopping for momentoes was curtailed! We trudged back up hill (strange how they don't seem to be such a problem anymore!) met Trudy and Tuppence at the hotel, loaded up the luggage and headed for home.
We found that only a short distance inland it was blue sky and sunshine; unlike the weather we were heading to at home it turned out!
All the bags are now emptied, the washing machine is going ninety to the dozen and we are both a little sad that the adventure is now over with the realisation of what we have done still sinking in.
The highlight of the walk has got to be the many people that we have met along the way; both fellow Coast to Coasters and also the many other people we have met.
The Lake District was our favourite section funnily enough, the long day between Rosthwaite and Patterdale with its two 600m passes a particular challenge (It was termed "The Madonna Section" by Mike). We didn't manage to pay our respects to AW on Haystacks or climb St. Sunday Crag but we will certainly return in the near future and rectify that!
The long day climbing from Patterdale to Kidsty Pike, the highest point on the route, was lovely, although the walk along Hawswater and the remaining trudge to Shap seemed to go on forever. Swaledale was lovely too, the views back over the Vale of Mowbray from the Cleveland Way, the odd section of Moor that we managed to see when the visibility allowed us, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite, there are so many good parts. AW certainly did a good job when he planned where his Coast to Coast route should go.
If there has to be a low point to chose we would probably say the weather which at times was biblically wet. The first day saw rain and 20m visibility climbing over Dent and Nannycatch was litterally awash. Managing to blaze a trail along the flooded path was both a high point and a low point. The rain stuck with us most of the fortnight but we did have a few days where it stopped long enough for the sun to almost appear and one where it didn't rain at all.
Averaging 15 miles a day has certainly toned us up nicely. I have lost about half a stone despite managing a full cooked breakfast every morning, sampling an awful lot of beer, and eating out every evening! Although Dawn hasn't lost weight she is happy in the knowledge that a number of her clothes don't fit any more! If you want to shape up - walk 200 miles!
The Coast to Coast is an amazing experience. Unlike some others we don't have the urge to do it again just yet but would definately re-visit certain areas. We would certainly not dismiss the idea of walking other long distance paths so watch this space! We highly recommend the Sherpa Van project that moves your baggage on for you. (Hats off to the likes of Steve and Ian who carried everything with them!). We also recommend doing your homework; as well as Wainwrights book we also used the Trailblazer guide by Henry Stedman. There are numerous websites too. We took the Harvey 1:40,000 strip maps which show the route and also decided to take 1:25,000 OS maps of the whole route. A bit expensive perhaps but they proved invaluable in some places, as did the GPS units - Dawn has now completely fallen in love with hers again! We took a day off in Richmond which gave us a chance to do some washing and chill out for a day. In hindsight we did rush through the first few days. Although it adds to the cost with additional accomodation splitting the longer sections does allow you to get in a bit earlier to explore or to enjoy the route during the day a bit more rather than worrying about rushing on to complete a long section before it gets too late. Also, take a notepad and pen or some business cards as you will definately meet people you want to keep in touch with.
If you are thinking about it - do it! It's not your average holiday and certainly not the cheapest depending where you stay but as a life experience it's great.
Once I have sorted the photos I will upload them to Flikr and Facebook and post the links on here in one last blog. Thank you for reading, your interest and your support. At present we have raised nearly £1000 including Gift Aid and it isn't too late to help us make it:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/dawnandmatt
Thanks again,
Matt & Dawn
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
Coast to Coast Day 14 - Grosmont to Robin Hoods Bay
This is it. The last section of the walk!
Had an OK meal at the Station Arms and a reasonable night. It was ever so hot and humid and surprise surprise there was a thunder storm during the night so a more restless night than we would have hoped was had by both of us.
We woke early after our fitful nights sleep to heavy rain and dense fog, something the forecast promised would be with us for most of the day (turns out it was right).
Having stocked up on some lunch at the local store (The UKs oldest independent co-op store no less) we trudged up the 1 in 3 hill out of the village. The 1 in 3 continued for some time. In fact we were still going up hill over half an hour later! The rain was still heavy and the visibility was 10m at best. The route is mainly road with a few paths, one of which was so faint it would have been a nightmare to find it in the visibility we had so we boxed around it on the road. We remained faithful to most of the route although me missed out Littlebeck Wood (Littlebeck was a lovely village though, although little beck was more like raging torrent!). We also took the old railway line down along the coast. Although we could hear the sea we certainly couldn't see it and a narrow footpath along the cliff didn't seem wise. Trudy and Tuppence were waiting for us at the top of the hill and they walked down to the water with us. The first sight of the sea we got was at the harbour! Feet dunked, pebbles thrown, and compulsory photos taken we joined Dave and Jayne, and numerous other people that we had met along the way in the Wainwright Bar to sign the book and toast our success.
It has been a brilliant journey. We have met some fantastic people along the way and certainly grown stronger ourselves as people. And although we have a few aches here and there we made it over all 200 miles or so with no blisters at all!
I'll put another blog together with some photos from the camera when we get home with some highlights, high points and low points. For now it's getting late, we've had a few drinks and a nice meal, Dawn's already asleep and I'm knackered too!
Farewell from Robin Hoods Bay. Next instalment will be from Hertfordshire.
Matt & Dawn x
Had an OK meal at the Station Arms and a reasonable night. It was ever so hot and humid and surprise surprise there was a thunder storm during the night so a more restless night than we would have hoped was had by both of us.
We woke early after our fitful nights sleep to heavy rain and dense fog, something the forecast promised would be with us for most of the day (turns out it was right).
Having stocked up on some lunch at the local store (The UKs oldest independent co-op store no less) we trudged up the 1 in 3 hill out of the village. The 1 in 3 continued for some time. In fact we were still going up hill over half an hour later! The rain was still heavy and the visibility was 10m at best. The route is mainly road with a few paths, one of which was so faint it would have been a nightmare to find it in the visibility we had so we boxed around it on the road. We remained faithful to most of the route although me missed out Littlebeck Wood (Littlebeck was a lovely village though, although little beck was more like raging torrent!). We also took the old railway line down along the coast. Although we could hear the sea we certainly couldn't see it and a narrow footpath along the cliff didn't seem wise. Trudy and Tuppence were waiting for us at the top of the hill and they walked down to the water with us. The first sight of the sea we got was at the harbour! Feet dunked, pebbles thrown, and compulsory photos taken we joined Dave and Jayne, and numerous other people that we had met along the way in the Wainwright Bar to sign the book and toast our success.
It has been a brilliant journey. We have met some fantastic people along the way and certainly grown stronger ourselves as people. And although we have a few aches here and there we made it over all 200 miles or so with no blisters at all!
I'll put another blog together with some photos from the camera when we get home with some highlights, high points and low points. For now it's getting late, we've had a few drinks and a nice meal, Dawn's already asleep and I'm knackered too!
Farewell from Robin Hoods Bay. Next instalment will be from Hertfordshire.
Matt & Dawn x
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Coast 2 Coast Day 13 - Blakey Ridge to Grosmont
Woke up to bright sunshine. Can this be true? Our first complete day without any rain whatsoever!
We had an early breakfast and were dropped back at the pub to resume our journey. The moors are quite nice in the sunshine and you can see for miles for once which is most welcome!
We stopped off to say hello to Fat Betty, a cross on the moor where tradition dictates that you leave a snack for a fellow traveller and take one in return (a bit like open caching!). We took a mint and left some jelly tots before continuing on our way.
The route is mainly road and we take the turning to the brilliantly named Fryup. We turn off along a bridleway and a rewarded by fantastic views over Fryup Vale which is truly stunning.
At the end of the Moor we take a short break and are caught up by Dave and Jayne who we shared numerous drinks with yesterday. We continue on together through Glasedale before splitting at Egton Bridge where they had digs for the night. (turns out that it is the best accommodation for them yet and they might not move!). We swapped email addresses and we continued down the old Toll Road to Grosmont. Having had a quick look at the trains at the station we quickly found our B&B (clean but a bit like stepping back in time 30 years or staying with your grandparents!). A quick shower and we whizzed out again to catch the last steam train of the day to Goathland and back (we didn't see Greengrass or Nick Berry though!) We did bump into the girls again, as well as Richard who seems to have slowed his pace somewhat and be walking with them. A bit of match making going on perhaps?
Dinner at the Station Arms concluded a very pleasant day.
The forecast for our last day is truly dreadful, the worst one yet (and that's saying something!). Still, one more day to go and that is something we have mixed feelings about. We are exited that the end is in site but sorry that the end of our journey is now so close.
Off to bed now; 15 miles or so tomorrow and most of them are likely to be wet!
Matt & Dawn
We had an early breakfast and were dropped back at the pub to resume our journey. The moors are quite nice in the sunshine and you can see for miles for once which is most welcome!
We stopped off to say hello to Fat Betty, a cross on the moor where tradition dictates that you leave a snack for a fellow traveller and take one in return (a bit like open caching!). We took a mint and left some jelly tots before continuing on our way.
The route is mainly road and we take the turning to the brilliantly named Fryup. We turn off along a bridleway and a rewarded by fantastic views over Fryup Vale which is truly stunning.
At the end of the Moor we take a short break and are caught up by Dave and Jayne who we shared numerous drinks with yesterday. We continue on together through Glasedale before splitting at Egton Bridge where they had digs for the night. (turns out that it is the best accommodation for them yet and they might not move!). We swapped email addresses and we continued down the old Toll Road to Grosmont. Having had a quick look at the trains at the station we quickly found our B&B (clean but a bit like stepping back in time 30 years or staying with your grandparents!). A quick shower and we whizzed out again to catch the last steam train of the day to Goathland and back (we didn't see Greengrass or Nick Berry though!) We did bump into the girls again, as well as Richard who seems to have slowed his pace somewhat and be walking with them. A bit of match making going on perhaps?
Dinner at the Station Arms concluded a very pleasant day.
The forecast for our last day is truly dreadful, the worst one yet (and that's saying something!). Still, one more day to go and that is something we have mixed feelings about. We are exited that the end is in site but sorry that the end of our journey is now so close.
Off to bed now; 15 miles or so tomorrow and most of them are likely to be wet!
Matt & Dawn
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Coast to Coast Day 12 - Chopgate - The Lion Inn
An "interesting" stay at the Buck Inn at Chopgate and an early breakfast and lift meant that we were on the trail at 8.15!
Following yesterday's slight miscalculation it meant a shorter route today of around 8 or 9 miles. The path is still the Cleveland Way at this point and climbs up from Clay Bank and then levels out to a reasonably flat flag stone path. Sadly the visibility was down to around 20 metres with occasional rain showers and didn't really improve as we progressed. After a slightly boggy section the Cleveland Way cuts left as we continued along the disused railway line that contours around. We did catch the occasional view - albeit cloudy! - and I'm sure that in good weather the route would be very picturesque.
We bumped into a Dave and Jane who we had met a few days ago who had stopped for a coffee and walked with them to The Lion Inn were they were staying and we were due to be collected. Sadly the plan was to have an evening meal and then be collected. It was just gone noon! Despite dawdling along we had made it in 3.5 hours. We decided to stop for lunch and I managed four pints of Wainwrights ale (well, we had to kill the time a bit somehow!).
We called the B&B and shared a lift back with Bruno from Switzerland. Just before we left the camera girls from yesterday arrived too and they are staying in the same place so it could be a lively breakfast!
We are now installed in the very nice August Guest House. Another place where nothing is too much trouble.
Only 30 miles to go now and we're off to Grosmont in the morning. We are hoping to get there early enough to have a trip on the steam railway.
More soon, the shower is free and there's stuff to sort for tomorrow.
Matt & Dawn
PS - sorry about the lack of photos but there wasn't much to see!
Following yesterday's slight miscalculation it meant a shorter route today of around 8 or 9 miles. The path is still the Cleveland Way at this point and climbs up from Clay Bank and then levels out to a reasonably flat flag stone path. Sadly the visibility was down to around 20 metres with occasional rain showers and didn't really improve as we progressed. After a slightly boggy section the Cleveland Way cuts left as we continued along the disused railway line that contours around. We did catch the occasional view - albeit cloudy! - and I'm sure that in good weather the route would be very picturesque.
We bumped into a Dave and Jane who we had met a few days ago who had stopped for a coffee and walked with them to The Lion Inn were they were staying and we were due to be collected. Sadly the plan was to have an evening meal and then be collected. It was just gone noon! Despite dawdling along we had made it in 3.5 hours. We decided to stop for lunch and I managed four pints of Wainwrights ale (well, we had to kill the time a bit somehow!).
We called the B&B and shared a lift back with Bruno from Switzerland. Just before we left the camera girls from yesterday arrived too and they are staying in the same place so it could be a lively breakfast!
We are now installed in the very nice August Guest House. Another place where nothing is too much trouble.
Only 30 miles to go now and we're off to Grosmont in the morning. We are hoping to get there early enough to have a trip on the steam railway.
More soon, the shower is free and there's stuff to sort for tomorrow.
Matt & Dawn
PS - sorry about the lack of photos but there wasn't much to see!
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Coast 2 Coast day 11 - Lovesome Hill to Chopgate
Lovesome Hill do a fantastic breakfast with eggs, bacon and sausages sourced from the farm. We also met a nice guy called Steve (not Backpack Steve, another one - we'll call him Steve from Wales). He lives on his parents farm, works at a builders yard and is up for a week to visit relatives and do some walking.
It turns out that Mary and John from the farm have completed not only the Coast to Coast but also the West Highland Way - we are outclassed! Lovely stay and nothing could be too much trouble - Mary even found Dawn a water bottle for her pulled muscle. She is obviously very proud of her area and doesn't like the fact that Wainwright suggested you should run through. "this area puts all the food on your table". We are inclined to agree as the next section was a lot nicer that the previous day.
We left at around 9.00 and having followed the main round for about 500m we turned left and followed the boggiest path known to Yorkshire (so far!). The path follows paths and farm tracks across to the busy A19. A careful crossing takes you down to Ingleby Cross and a welcome cup of tea at The Bluebell Inn.
The path now gets interesting and seriously upwards as you slowly gain height through the trees and reach the Cleveland Way. This is where you can tell the difference between a National Trail and the C2C - funding! Lots of flagstones to follow here! It also has an awful lot of ups and downs - difficult in the heat and humidity of the day - but the rewards are brilliant views back over the Vale of Mowbray and probably Richmond on a clear day. We even caught our first glimpse of the North Sea! We messed up the distance a bit, rather than the 16 mile section we thought, we actually had over 19 miles to walk, with enough hight gain to look down on Snowdon! The Wainstones were a welcome sight and having repatriated a nice lady with her camera we were finally descending into Clay Bank where we would be collected and taken the couple of miles back to the The Buck Inn at Chop Gate (pronounced Chopyate). A bit kwirky but a good shower, reasonable food and a free transfer again in the morning to put us back on track.
Tomorrow is an easier day other than the weather - we might even make the Lion Inn by lunchtime if the weather's that bad! But for now it's bed time; we're both achey and the bed is comfortable!
Night Night!
Matt & Dawn
It turns out that Mary and John from the farm have completed not only the Coast to Coast but also the West Highland Way - we are outclassed! Lovely stay and nothing could be too much trouble - Mary even found Dawn a water bottle for her pulled muscle. She is obviously very proud of her area and doesn't like the fact that Wainwright suggested you should run through. "this area puts all the food on your table". We are inclined to agree as the next section was a lot nicer that the previous day.
We left at around 9.00 and having followed the main round for about 500m we turned left and followed the boggiest path known to Yorkshire (so far!). The path follows paths and farm tracks across to the busy A19. A careful crossing takes you down to Ingleby Cross and a welcome cup of tea at The Bluebell Inn.
The path now gets interesting and seriously upwards as you slowly gain height through the trees and reach the Cleveland Way. This is where you can tell the difference between a National Trail and the C2C - funding! Lots of flagstones to follow here! It also has an awful lot of ups and downs - difficult in the heat and humidity of the day - but the rewards are brilliant views back over the Vale of Mowbray and probably Richmond on a clear day. We even caught our first glimpse of the North Sea! We messed up the distance a bit, rather than the 16 mile section we thought, we actually had over 19 miles to walk, with enough hight gain to look down on Snowdon! The Wainstones were a welcome sight and having repatriated a nice lady with her camera we were finally descending into Clay Bank where we would be collected and taken the couple of miles back to the The Buck Inn at Chop Gate (pronounced Chopyate). A bit kwirky but a good shower, reasonable food and a free transfer again in the morning to put us back on track.
Tomorrow is an easier day other than the weather - we might even make the Lion Inn by lunchtime if the weather's that bad! But for now it's bed time; we're both achey and the bed is comfortable!
Night Night!
Matt & Dawn
Monday, 2 July 2012
Coast 2 Coast day 10 - Richmond to Lovesome Hill
16 miles traversed today and only got caught in a shower once - for an hour or so! We followed the old railway line out of Richmond to avoid the busy road and picked up the traditional route further down. It's quite pretty along to Catterick and the route follows the river Swale through the countryside and woodlands. At Bolton on Swale we paid our respects to Henry Jenkins. He has a memorial in the church yard and apparently lived to the venerable old age of 169 years!
Back onto the fields and we saw a bull getting rather excited with a cow. We also saw a bit of confused cow on cow action! We got through the field as quickly as we could in case there was any more confusion!
After Catterick the countryside is very flat compared to where we has been. We could be in Hertfordshire to be honest and it was a long slog along the road to Danby Whisk. We did see a Jay along the way though and also several Yellowhammers which we don't tend to see at home. The good news was that unlike AW and Julia Bradbury we found the White Swan in the village to be open! With only a couple of kilometres to go a couple of pints seemed in order! Black Sheeps "Golden Fleece" is rather nice! The pub seems to have been refurbished recently and does evening meals and accommodation for C2Cers who want to break up the 23 miles of the vale of Mowbray. We were doing just that at Lovesome Hill which is slightly off course but there was a handy footpath over the fields. Sadly the footpath doesn't seem to be used very often! We were wading though nettles and weeds along the field edge for the next 1.5km! Not to worry, we soon arrived at the farm and were posted in the camping barn while Mary sorted a couple of things out. Lovesome Farm is a working farm with working farm smells and a Collie Dog for Dawn to play with! The room is lovely and apparently we have lasagne for tea.(Although she hasn't made it yet so it might turn into something else! :-) ).
Nice to get to the digs early as we can chill out for a bit. We strolled out quite well today and averaged over 5km/h which is possibly why we're aching a bit! We are looking forward tomorrow as we're hitting a section of Cleveland Way and might get a bit more height by the end of the day!
More soon!
M&D
Back onto the fields and we saw a bull getting rather excited with a cow. We also saw a bit of confused cow on cow action! We got through the field as quickly as we could in case there was any more confusion!
After Catterick the countryside is very flat compared to where we has been. We could be in Hertfordshire to be honest and it was a long slog along the road to Danby Whisk. We did see a Jay along the way though and also several Yellowhammers which we don't tend to see at home. The good news was that unlike AW and Julia Bradbury we found the White Swan in the village to be open! With only a couple of kilometres to go a couple of pints seemed in order! Black Sheeps "Golden Fleece" is rather nice! The pub seems to have been refurbished recently and does evening meals and accommodation for C2Cers who want to break up the 23 miles of the vale of Mowbray. We were doing just that at Lovesome Hill which is slightly off course but there was a handy footpath over the fields. Sadly the footpath doesn't seem to be used very often! We were wading though nettles and weeds along the field edge for the next 1.5km! Not to worry, we soon arrived at the farm and were posted in the camping barn while Mary sorted a couple of things out. Lovesome Farm is a working farm with working farm smells and a Collie Dog for Dawn to play with! The room is lovely and apparently we have lasagne for tea.(Although she hasn't made it yet so it might turn into something else! :-) ).
Nice to get to the digs early as we can chill out for a bit. We strolled out quite well today and averaged over 5km/h which is possibly why we're aching a bit! We are looking forward tomorrow as we're hitting a section of Cleveland Way and might get a bit more height by the end of the day!
More soon!
M&D
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Coast to Coast Day Nine - Farewell friends!
Had a nice relaxing breakfast and a trip out to Reeth with Mum and Dad. Saw the lady about the dog and then continued up the hill to Keld to show Mum and Dad where we had been. The car needed petrol and a very important note for future reference everyone - most petrol stations are closed in Yorkshire on Sundays! Having ended up in Kirkby Stephen we eventually found some on the M6! Still, we had a nice trip back on a different route, saw the Ribblesdale Viaduct and had a nice lunch in the Inn on the hill somewhere near Ingleborough.
We returned back to Richmond and having retrieved our washing we sorted everything out for the morning.
We had arranged to meet up with Mike and Brian for a pint before going on to dinner at Rustique. We had a brilliant evening and it is so nice to have found a couple of great friends and shared a great experience with them. The last couple of days haven't been the same without them. They are off home tomorrow and hoping to complete the C2C next year sometime. We are obviously off again in the morning and we hope to meet up sometime in the future to compare notes!
Dad didn't like the sound of an 8.00am breakfast but I think they'll join us in the morning and wave us off!
The weather for the next few days looks pretty bad. We have been lucky(!?) to have had a few rain-free mornings this week but it looks like we'll be getting pretty wet quite early.
Oh well, maybe the sun will be shining over the north sea for us.
On to Lovesome Hill Farm tomorrow. A trip of around 16 miles along a mixture of roads and boggy fields. It's also the flattest section of the route so at least we'll get to give the legs a stretch before we hit the Yorkshire Moors!
Night Night all, hopefully more tomorrow if we have a signal or WiFi.
Matt & Dawn
We returned back to Richmond and having retrieved our washing we sorted everything out for the morning.
We had arranged to meet up with Mike and Brian for a pint before going on to dinner at Rustique. We had a brilliant evening and it is so nice to have found a couple of great friends and shared a great experience with them. The last couple of days haven't been the same without them. They are off home tomorrow and hoping to complete the C2C next year sometime. We are obviously off again in the morning and we hope to meet up sometime in the future to compare notes!
Dad didn't like the sound of an 8.00am breakfast but I think they'll join us in the morning and wave us off!
The weather for the next few days looks pretty bad. We have been lucky(!?) to have had a few rain-free mornings this week but it looks like we'll be getting pretty wet quite early.
Oh well, maybe the sun will be shining over the north sea for us.
On to Lovesome Hill Farm tomorrow. A trip of around 16 miles along a mixture of roads and boggy fields. It's also the flattest section of the route so at least we'll get to give the legs a stretch before we hit the Yorkshire Moors!
Night Night all, hopefully more tomorrow if we have a signal or WiFi.
Matt & Dawn
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