Day 12 - Wednesday 22 June 2016
Blakey Ridge to Egton Bridge (12.6 miles)
A shorter day than 2012 because we were unable to get any dog friendly accommodation in Grosmont. This would mean a longer final day tomorrow of just under 18 miles but that didn't matter. On a long distance walk the body seems to become used to the daily mileage and we found ourselves getting fitter as the walk progressed. Today was another really good leg of the walk over picturesque moorland for the most part although there were various sections of tarmac at different times but along extremely quiet roads & lanes. As for the weather, it was forecasted to be a bit of a mixed bag - sunny yet overcast.
After a super breakfast in company with Russell & Claire we all piled into Michael's car for the short trip back to The Lion Inn. As we arrived at the Millennium Stone - which was on the route - Michael dropped Russell & Claire off thus saving them a couple of miles road walking. He asked if we wanted dropping off too which of course we declined!! He then added that most people he dropped off at that point were Australians and he had christened the point "Australian Corner". As we drove along the road we passed many of our fellow walkers who had made an early start. The HF group were just leaving The Lion Inn as we pulled in.
After a super breakfast in company with Russell & Claire we all piled into Michael's car for the short trip back to The Lion Inn. As we arrived at the Millennium Stone - which was on the route - Michael dropped Russell & Claire off thus saving them a couple of miles road walking. He asked if we wanted dropping off too which of course we declined!! He then added that most people he dropped off at that point were Australians and he had christened the point "Australian Corner". As we drove along the road we passed many of our fellow walkers who had made an early start. The HF group were just leaving The Lion Inn as we pulled in.
Ready for the off at The Lion Inn
Having said goodbye to Michael, we sorted ourselves out and by 1000 we were away. The route headed north along the quiet main road passing to the right of the Margery Bradley Stone, a large boundary marker for the Thomas Duncombe Estate which marks the meeting point of the parishes of Farndale East, Rosedale West Side and Westerdale. Opposite the Boundary Stone is a bridleway which is a short cut over rough ground to Fat Betty and we could see the HF Group trudging over the moor. We decided to stay on the road as we wanted to visit Young Ralph which is just off route by the turning to Fat Betty. "Young Ralph" is a 9ft high stone cross, thought to be a medieval highway marker and a cross of sorts has probably stood here since the 12th century - another marker "Old Ralph", a 5ft cross is situated 500 yards to the south on the moor.
Rosedale
Heading along the road from The Lion Inn to Fat Betty
The Margery Bradley Standing Stone
Looking across to the alternative path over to Fat Betty - Team HF can just be seen making their way over
From Young Ralph we rejoined the road which turned east to pass another medieval cross - known affectionately as Fat Betty. The cross is short, squat and painted white and the tradition is to leave a food offering whilst taking one for yourself. Pickings were pretty meagre today therefore we left a cereal bar and moved on. The path continued along the road and we soon turned left at the Millennium Stone to head up Great Fryup Lane. Leaving the road the route joined a rough track which took us to Trough House - an old shooting hut. The HF Group were here and we spent a few minutes chatting to them before heading off on the stony track which gave us glorious views down Great Fryup Dale to our left.
Young Ralph
Fat Betty
More road walking but it was pleasant enough
The Millenium Stone on Danby High Moor aka "Australian Corner"
One Man & his Dog - heading for Trough House
Thankfully that's the end of the tarmac for a while
Trough House
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Team HF at Trough House
We were now on Glaisdale High Moor and just after reaching a boundary stone we were back on the tarmac again at a sign stating we had 3 and a half miles to Glaisdale. The road was deserted and we could just make out 2 walkers about 800 yards distant who had left the road to rest up. As we caught up with them we realised it was Michelle & Andrew who were stopping for a break - we waved over and carried on. Just past a stone pillar the road forked and we took the right fork, passing a Trig Point on Glaisdale Rigg. This was a really good section of the route and we passed many old boundary markers & stone pillars before arriving at a small pond. From the pond the track headed up a slope where a gate took us on to a tarmac road which dropped down into Glaisdale. Passing the tea shop (which was shut for some strange reason) we meandered through the village and caught up with Alison & Rob who were in company with 2 other Australians who we had not seen before. We all ended up at the Arncliffe Arms where many of the other walkers were sat outside having food & drinks - we joined them for a quick one.
Great Fryup Dale
Good walking now as we head to Glaisdale
Rejoining the tarmac again - we are always suspicious when Fudge skulks out of the grass like this.
The Trig Point on Glaisdale Rigg
Typical!
The Arncliffe Arms in Glaisdale with l-r Russell, Claire, Rob, 2 Australians we did not know, Chris, Elaine & Zander
Just as we were leaving Andrew & Michelle arrived and we left shortly after them and we arranged to meet up in Egton Bridge to have a drink with them at their B&B, The Horsehoe. Descending to the eastern part of the village we arrived at the railway station and the beautiful Beggar's Bridge - a local landmark. The bridge was built by Thomas Ferris in 1619. Ferris was a poor man who hoped to wed the daughter of a wealthy local squire. In order to win her hand, he planned to set sail from Whitby to make his fortune. On the night that he left, the River Esk was swollen with rainfall and he was unable to make a last visit to his intended. He eventually returned from his travels a rich man and, after marrying the squire's daughter, built Beggar's Bridge so that no other lovers would be separated as they were.
From Beggar's Bridge we crossed into East Arncliffe Wood and the next mile or so was not pleasant walking. The path was extremely muddy from one end of the wood to the other end at Egton Bridge. It was difficult terrain to walk on but of course Fudge loved the mud even if his Mum & Dad didn't - we were glad to see the other end of the wood which came out onto a road. The route took us down this pleasant road by which time the sun had reappeared just as we reached The Horseshoe where Andrew & Michelle were already in residence. We stayed at the pub for about an hour rehydrating as many other walkers arrived and joined us.
From Beggar's Bridge we crossed into East Arncliffe Wood and the next mile or so was not pleasant walking. The path was extremely muddy from one end of the wood to the other end at Egton Bridge. It was difficult terrain to walk on but of course Fudge loved the mud even if his Mum & Dad didn't - we were glad to see the other end of the wood which came out onto a road. The route took us down this pleasant road by which time the sun had reappeared just as we reached The Horseshoe where Andrew & Michelle were already in residence. We stayed at the pub for about an hour rehydrating as many other walkers arrived and joined us.
The entrance to East Arncliffe Wood
Beggars Bridge in Glaisdale
The entire transit through East Arncliffe Wood was like this - no fun at all
Not far to Egton now
Tearing ourselves away from the pub we made the short journey to our digs for the night at The Postgate Inn, right next to the Egton Bridge Station. There was nobody about and the door was locked therefore we hung about and finally managed to get an answer at the door. Checking in, we sorted ourselves out for tomorrow and met up with Russell & Claire for Dinner - they were also staying here. The food, whilst a bit on the pricey side was top notch as was the beer on offer - whilst we were there, Andrew & Michelle arrived with family.
The Horseshoe pub in Egton Bridge
The River Esk
Fudge bagged the top bunk - tired boy
Overnight Accommodation
The Postgate Inn - www.postgateinn.com
A lovely pub if a little expensive - we had a really nice stay here.
A lovely pub if a little expensive - we had a really nice stay here.
Day 12 Data
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Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Cumulative Time Maximum Ascent Total Ascent Cumulative Ascent |
12.6 miles
1176.8 miles 5 hrs 80 hrs 02 min 1423 feet 1145 feet 34659 feet |