Distance: 9 miles
Since our British friends had returned to their home in Lancastershire, we were again a team of four. The B&B host, Margaret, with hugs, saw us off and her daughter, Amanda, drove us the two miles back to the C2C trail.
Once back on the trail and without any opportunity to warm-up, we dove right onto the path to Clay Bank Top, which shot straight up on what is apparently the steepest section of the entire C2C. This 20 minute climb led to splendid views at the top, but the weather had certainly changed from the previous day’s warmth. Rain appeared to be imminent for several hours.
Urra Moor, the highest moor in the national park, has a series of old boundary markers alongside the trail. Near these markers is this face stone that is considered to predate the boundary markers and might even be prehistoric.
Our path merged with the former Rosedale Ironstone Railway route which we followed for most of the rest of the day. Shortly after we joined this old railway, the Cleveland Way veered off to the north as we carried on straight ahead. Along the way we saw a number of curlews and grouse with their chicks scurrying about in the underbrush.
Once on High Blakey Moor, we could just make out this evening’s B&B, the Lion Inn on the horizon of Blakey Ridge. (In picture: left center)
And as we got a little closer, the Inn could be seen on the very isolated moor.
As bleak as the Inn appeared on the exterior, it was very warm and cozy on the inside, retaining its 16th century atmosphere with low beamed ceilings and several crackling fireplaces.
Dinner was ample and delicious for hungry walkers’ appetites!
One thought