Day 14 - Tuesday 19 June 2018
South Moor Farm to Levisham (8.1 miles)
South Moor Farm is literally in the middle of nowhere therefore it came as no surprise that we had a really enjoyable and noise free night's kip. Looking out of the window, we awoke to a beautiful day and as we were off to Levisham which was just over 8 miles away we could really take our time and enjoy todays walk. We had a really pleasant stay with Bob & his wife at South Moor Farm - a basic, no frills B&B with lovely food in a stunning part of the Dalby Forest.
From the farm the path continued north along the access track to then head left, again on forest track away from the road through Crosscliff Wood. It was here that we saw our second Deer in as many days - stood on the path directly ahead of us and only moving off once we started walking towards him. The forest track continued under the canopy of trees as the route continued through Crosscliff Woods to emerge into sunshine at Crosscliff Brow where the scenery changed dramatically to open green fields in all directions. At Newgate Foot the track became a tarmac road and shortly after we stopped to air our feet and have a quick snack to then cross the busy A169 to reach the Hole of Horcum.
The route does not actually drop in to the Hole of Horcum but heads around the northern escarpment to enter the Levisham Estate. However we did detour a couple of hundred yards into the Hole and then retraced our steps back up to the main path. It is possible to take an alternative route via the valley floor of the Hole of Horcum and enter Levisham from the east however having done both routes in the past, the Cleveland Way is still a delightful walk and will in turn satisfy the purists.
Despite arriving in the village early in the afternoon, Levisham appeared to still be asleep however thankfully the pub was open! We had arranged to meet Craig, a freelance photographer who was also the official snapper for the charity Spaniel Aid who we were raising money for. When we arrived there was no sign of him and unbeknown to us he was down at the bottom of the village expecting us to come in from the east. No matter - we soon met up and after a quick chat Craig took some amazing photographs of Fudge for Spaniel Aid's Facebook page. After a quick drink & chat with Craig we said our goodbyes and Craig said he would meet us in a couple of days in Helmsley to take a few photos of us at the finish.
By now it was check in time at The Horseshoe Inn where we were staying and we were delighted to see we had a massive room in a separate part of the pub which is always a bonus. We dined very well in the pub that night and with a huge bed we looked forward to a good nights sleep.
From the farm the path continued north along the access track to then head left, again on forest track away from the road through Crosscliff Wood. It was here that we saw our second Deer in as many days - stood on the path directly ahead of us and only moving off once we started walking towards him. The forest track continued under the canopy of trees as the route continued through Crosscliff Woods to emerge into sunshine at Crosscliff Brow where the scenery changed dramatically to open green fields in all directions. At Newgate Foot the track became a tarmac road and shortly after we stopped to air our feet and have a quick snack to then cross the busy A169 to reach the Hole of Horcum.
The route does not actually drop in to the Hole of Horcum but heads around the northern escarpment to enter the Levisham Estate. However we did detour a couple of hundred yards into the Hole and then retraced our steps back up to the main path. It is possible to take an alternative route via the valley floor of the Hole of Horcum and enter Levisham from the east however having done both routes in the past, the Cleveland Way is still a delightful walk and will in turn satisfy the purists.
Despite arriving in the village early in the afternoon, Levisham appeared to still be asleep however thankfully the pub was open! We had arranged to meet Craig, a freelance photographer who was also the official snapper for the charity Spaniel Aid who we were raising money for. When we arrived there was no sign of him and unbeknown to us he was down at the bottom of the village expecting us to come in from the east. No matter - we soon met up and after a quick chat Craig took some amazing photographs of Fudge for Spaniel Aid's Facebook page. After a quick drink & chat with Craig we said our goodbyes and Craig said he would meet us in a couple of days in Helmsley to take a few photos of us at the finish.
By now it was check in time at The Horseshoe Inn where we were staying and we were delighted to see we had a massive room in a separate part of the pub which is always a bonus. We dined very well in the pub that night and with a huge bed we looked forward to a good nights sleep.
Leaving South Moor the first part of today's walk was on forest tracks
Lockton Low Moor
Short day today but what a day to take our time and enjoy the superb views on offer.
Blakey Topping from Newgate Foot.
We were now on The Old Wife's Way which runs from here to the A169. Not much is known about the origin of the name however one story is that earth goddesses were once worshipped and they were known as Old Wife’s and used these tracks to go from one fertility rite to another.
We were now on The Old Wife's Way which runs from here to the A169. Not much is known about the origin of the name however one story is that earth goddesses were once worshipped and they were known as Old Wife’s and used these tracks to go from one fertility rite to another.
Hazelhead Moor with RAF Fylingdales peeping out to the right
Unfortunately the path does not go to the Bridestones but they can be reached via a short detour off the path from Newgate Foot
As you can see Fudge was enjoying himself on The Old Wife's Way
Just a big load of nothing to our left or so it appeared
Half way along the Old Wife's Way we stopped for a breather - with only 8 miles to do today we were in no rush
Whilst we were laying down this cow just stared at us from the other side of the fence. As we started walking she followed us up the track, keeping abreast of us all the time - as it happens her Calf was further up the track resting by the fence line. I don't think she liked the look of Fudge even though he is extremely placid and was kept well back.
And here is the Calf in question - Mum was perfectly happy for us to approach although we kept Fudge at a distance.
Reaching the A169 at the Hole of Horcum - a lovely 3 mile walk over Levisham Moor would lead us to the village
The Hole of Horcum
Folklore dictates that the hollow was caused by Wade the Giant scooping up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument (surely not!). The Hole was actually created by a process called spring-sapping where water welling up from the hillside gradually undermined the slopes above, eating the rocks away grain by grain. Over thousands of years, a once narrow valley widened and deepened into an enormous cauldron – and the process still continues today.
Folklore dictates that the hollow was caused by Wade the Giant scooping up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument (surely not!). The Hole was actually created by a process called spring-sapping where water welling up from the hillside gradually undermined the slopes above, eating the rocks away grain by grain. Over thousands of years, a once narrow valley widened and deepened into an enormous cauldron – and the process still continues today.
From the A169 we crossed over the road to enter the Levisham Estate.
The Horseshoe Inn at Levisham - our home for the night. Fudge is sulking because it is a good 3 hours until his tea time.
I'm starving hungry I am
(photo courtesy of Craig Ellis Photography - the link to Craig's website is here)
(photo courtesy of Craig Ellis Photography - the link to Craig's website is here)
Day 14 Data
|
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Total Ascent Cumulative Ascent |
8.1 miles
123.2 3hrs 25mins 889ft 27121ft |