Friday 7 October
Not quite a full coach this time set off from Bradford at 9.00 a.m. for North Yorkshire. Most of the party stayed at the Cote Ghyll Mill Hostel that has recently been refurbished.
The facilities and food were very good, much better than Stratford! This is a privately run hostel that can be booked through YHA or direct with the hostel.
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| The dining room |
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| The self catering kitchen |
Before we arrived at the hostel we had a walk to do.There were three choices of walk around the area of Great Ayton and a few people in the know purchased their lunch from the pie shop, D Petch Butchers. They make a wide selection of pies that are warm in the morning. I wasn't in the know but managed to get one later just before they closed for the day and it was delicious.
I opted for the B walk led by Val, 9 miles taking in Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook's monument.
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| Sheila's photo of Roseberry Topping |
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| Sheila's photo |
We could see the Captain Cook monument in the distance but our route was a bit longer than we expected. We wondered why the notice said road closed but it soon became obvious why!
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| Into the woods |
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| Captain Cook Monument |
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| The way down through the woods was very tricky |
Saturday 8 October
Today we were off to the seaside. All three groups following the Cleveland Way finishing at Runswick Bay. I chose the C walk led by Rita. We started at Loftus and made our way to the coastal path.
Coastal paths always have a lot of ups and downs and this was no exception.
The weather was dry and a bit cloudy but as we arrived at Staithes for our lunch break the sun came out so we were very lucky.
As we left Staithes we took a new route nearer the coast and were rewarded with a splendid view of the village.
A few more ups and downs before reaching Runswick where all three parties arrived more or less at the same time.
The walks were supposed to go down to Runswick Bay but only a handful of people actually went all the way down where we found Steve having a drink at the cafe. Follow this link to see what you missed.
When at the seaside you have to put your feet in the sea and Ron got caught by a seventh wave and ended up with wet socks! Unfortunately I didn't manage to catch this on camera but he did blame me.
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| Runswick Bay |
Jean, Mary and I had a cup of tea at the cafe while the rest of the group stayed up at the top at the pub. A good day out for everyone.
Sunday 9 October
Showers forecast for today. I was ready early so took a short walk up into the wood beside the hostel.
The three walks today finished at Chop Gate, I chose the C walk again that eventually turned into a B walk for some of us.
The weather was mixed and started off very misty as we made our way up on to the moors.
Mary had left her camera on the coach but still managed to take some good photos with her phone.
Then down came the rain for the first time.
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| Good views again |
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| The boggy bit |
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| Sheila's photo |
We did manage to eat half our lunch before the rain came down again but once up on the moor top the rain cleared away for the rest of the afternoon.
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| On the way down |
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| The end of the walk |
All three parties (now four) finished at the Buck Inn at Chop Gate. Some of the C party had broken away earlier and they managed to get a carvery meal. Others had tea or coffee and cake or a well earned drink.
At 5 o'clock we set off for home after another very successful weekend away. Thanks to all the volunteer walks leaders and every one involved with the organisation, particularly Jean Galthen. Thanks also to Sheila and Mary for some of the photos and to Steve for driving us there and back and to and fro from our walks. I hope we didn't leave too much mud in the coach!
We made very good time back to Bradford arriving just in time for my bus at 6.50. Next weekend away in March is at Hartington Hall in Derbyshire. See you there hopefully.
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