Distance: 12 miles
Leslie made the decision to rest today and not hike, so my British friend Peter was my new hiking partner for the day. My mom, Jean and Leslie would spend the morning sightseeing in the area and meet us in the afternoon.
We were dropped off at the intersection of B1257 and the C2C to continue the walk. The trail was an immediate uphill to reach Hasty Bank where the views of the valley below were wide ranging even in the mist.
On the west side of Hasty Bank there is a large formation of giant boulders called the Wain Stones, including Bronze Age carvings which are located on some of the limestone rocks. On a warm day this would be a good place for a picnic and some rock climbing.
Continuing on to Cringle Moor in the heart of the Cleveland Hills, the wide views were magnificent. At a prime viewing spot, friends of one Alec Falconer (1884-1968) had built a large memorial chair. It is the perfect location to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Descending from Cringle Moor and just before climbing up to Carlton Moor, we happened on Lord Stones Café. This café catered to walkers, bikers, cyclists, campers, and anyone out for a day’s drive in the countryside. So, we had lunch before beginning one more of the series of climbs we were doing this day.
To reach Carlton Moor involved another steep ascent.
After crossing Carlton Moor and Live Moor, we were in a forest with occasional views of the open countryside. While walking in the forest, Peter taught me about nettles and dock, which are common plants frequently found near each other. Nettles will cause an uncomfortable, burning sensation when brushed against your skin. The dock plant contains a moist sap with properties similar to the aloe plant, and soothes when rubbed against this irritated skin. I have used this bit of knowledge successfully many times when mistakenly getting into a patch of nettles.
Finally, we found ourselves walking through the heavily forested Arncliff Wood shortly before reaching Ingleby Cross and my B&B for the evening, Ingleside B&B.
The rest of our group joined Peter and me as we all gathered for a great dinner at the Golden Lion‘s restaurant in Osmotherley. During this delicious meal, Leslie notified us that her feet were not recovering as hoped and, sadly, she could not continue the hike. Not an easy decision, but a necessary one. Now, I had to decide whether I would go on alone or stop as well. By the time we finished dinner Leslie had agreed that she would ride with Peter, Jean and with my mom to Peter and Jean’s home in Lancashire and I would forge on by myself. As they left me at the B&B, I had never felt so alone. Leslie and I said good-bye with both of us in tears.
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