Wednesday 27 March 2019

ECP - Whitby to Staithes - North Yorkshire 22 March 2019

English Coastal Path
Whitby to Staithes
North Yorkshire
Distance 20km Climb 570m
Friday 22 March 2019


This time we were in Whitby as part of my birthday celebrations. On our previous visit, Anne had found a gem of a B&B in, Riftswood owned by Paula and Pete along with Denzil. Paula welcomed us with wine/tea and home made cake on our arrival on the Thursday. We had enjoyed our stay last time, you can follow the link to our walk from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay. and we were keen to come back again. 

Today we had one of Pete's very full English breakfast, that set us up for the day. Before starting out Pete told us about a number of things we could look out for on our walk. 

Riftswood is only a few hundred meters from the coast. The English Coastal Path (ECP) and the Cleveland Way are only two of the many walks along this part of the coast. We left Riftswood and turned left down a footpath to reach the North Promenade where we turned left, west onto both the ECP and the Cleveland Way. 


Taking one of the paths down towards Whitby Sands we walked along by the coloured beach huts. One was being erected as we passed.


Before leaving Riftswood, Pete had said the tide was out, so when the path turned inland we continued along the sand.

Passing an area of small stones we both instinctively looked down and started to find pieces of sea glass. I am not sure if there is a reason why there is sea glass on Whitby Sands but Whitby is not too far South along the coast from Seaham to imagine that it may have been swept here by the sea over the years.


We crossed from Whitby Sands onto Sandsend Beach. The wind and sea had made some interesting looking patterns in the sand around what looks like old pier or jetty pylons.


After crossing another stream we walked up the steep sea defences into the car park next to the Wits End Café.


At the far end of the car park are some steep steps up the side of the bank. A sign points the Cleveland Way and ECP as well as Sandsend Trail. At the top is the remains of a train station platform Pete told us to look out for. Nature is taking over, possibly on another day the grass, plants and trees may make this difficult to see. Turning right onto the old train line it was only a few meters away from my first Geocache of the day.



A few more hundred meters and I found my second Geocache of the day. 


A slight move from the main path and I quickly found my third and fourth Geocache's of the day in an area of old quarries.

Moving on we saw the entrance to a train tunnel Pete had told us about. On returning home and looking at a map I could see that the train tunnel travelled for quite a long way underground. It must have been a hard job digging it out.


It was then up and up and up again a few steep stairs to reach the path above the tunnel.


It had been very warm on our walk so far, the coats had gone it was tea shirts and cardigans. Now we were on the top and with it being open and exposed although sunny and bright it had turned cold. So we thought about putting our coats back on.


A little further on there are signs of the ECP and Cleveland Way.


Just passed here we had a short rest on Tommy, with a cup of hot chocolate. It was now time to stop thinking about putting our coats on and putting them on.

The footpath headed north westerly before turning northerly. On our way we passed patches of ground which may have been defences against invasion.



We took the ECP / Cleveland Way footpath that followed by the coast. The other path followed the train line. We did not notice where the train line came out of the tunnel but it was a very long tunnel.



Reaching a turn in the path with a strong wind in our face we had our first glimpse of Runswick Bay.

We continued west now towards Kettleness. Through a few styles onto the road briefly before following signs beside Kettleness Farm.


On our way around the top of a steep sided gorge we passed a blue building which may have previously been a lifeboat house. I am not sure. Unfortunately I did not get a photo. On looking at an old map it shows a Coast Guard Station in the area perhaps it was that.

We were now on a footpath that follows along the tops of the cliffs. We could see Runswick Sands below. Pete had warned us of the tricky path down to the sands.

At first the path starts off heading down hill with large steps. 


At the bottom of the steps there is a wooden bridge.


After the bridge the path becomes very narrow as it skirts the edge dropping down. It does have steps but care needs to be taken as it is very slippery in places. This is looking back up.


Anyway we soon reached the level of Runswick Sands. On our left there were a large number of caves eroded into the cliffs.


As we approached Runswick Bay we could see the tide coming in, making it difficult to reach the slipway, so we took the rough path over stones to the left.


At Runswick Bay we had a quick look around before a having a rest and a quick drink at the Hotel. While we were sitting outside we could see a number of dark clouds gathering. Fortunately they did not come to anything.

After our rest we weaved our way through a few narrow streets and steps taking us up and we soon found our way back onto the ECP / Cleveland Way. A couple more twists as we climbed the leeward side of the hill. Leaving Runswick Bay behind and below us.

We reached Runswick Bank Top where we saw a sign for our walk. The path is on the other side of this hedge.


The winds were very strong along here as we headed north east to re-join the coast. A couple of WWII planes flew overhead as we walked north westerly along the coast. It was a little sheltered when the path dropped down beneath the bank side and gorse bushes.

We could see in the distance the little Port of Mulgrave.


On our way we came across a sign that shows the path ahead was diverted due to landslides. So we followed the diversion signs. This took us to the road, we turned right for a short walk on a road before joining the path that follows the cliff tops.


Passing Old Nab, we continued fighting the wind until we reached a place we could look directly down onto Staithes Harbour.


We continued to follow the path around the coast.


The footpath took us inland slightly before turning back and heading down hill towards Staithes.



We had a look at the harbour before looking along a few streets.

I thought this was were they filmed Bernard Cribbins and his children's programme Old Jack's Boat with Salty Dog. On returning home I found they did.


I walked half way across the bridge on the ECP/Cleveland Way to take some photos before returning to the south side and taking a walk up hill to look for the bus stop.



We found the bus stop at the top and as it happens timed it perfectly we only had a few minutes to wait for a bus to take us back to Whitby. It had been a good day. Started very warm and turned cold. The threat of rain did not happen but apart from the very strong wind it had been a good day for a walk.

We had covered just over 20km with just over 570m climb.

More to follow


Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done on The English Coastal Path or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

Follow link to our previous walk from Whitby. Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay.
Follow link to our next walk from Whitby. Whitby to Grosmont via Egton Bridge







Sunday 24 March 2019

Langleeford to The Cheviot via Dunsdale - Northumberland 20 March 2019

Langleeford to The Cheviot via Dunsdale and return
Northumberland
Distance 21km Climb 1100m
Wednesday 20 March 2019


Today was a celebration and so I woke early, really early. It was just getting light as I drove through Wooler and headed towards Langleeford. As I was dropping down along the Harthope Valley I suddenly realised I had forgotten my woolly hat, what was I going to do?

I was celebrating 10 years since I climbed Ben Nevis for my 50th birthday. Follow the link to my Best Birthday Present Ever.

At the parking area I had a quick look in the back of my car and found a pair of long johns which I wrapped around my head. I must have looked strange but knew I would need some form of head covering today. Hopefully I would not meet anyone?

I left the car and crossed the road by a sheepfold (210m). You can follow this link to the last time I walked a similar route up The Cheviot. A weak watery sun was rising in the east as I started up Hawsen Burn.


I was taking a narrow path up by Hawsen Burn, walking north west. It was such a long time since I last walked a hill so I was looking forward to today. I stayed on the right of the stream as it twisted and turned, where there were a few climbs and drops.


At the top of a rise I could see a ford over the stream on my left. Over a track I started climbing by the stream but moved right up onto an easier path. The path was still following the Hawsen Burn only higher up the bank.

After a few hundred meters a narrow footpath turns west, continuing up by Hawsen Burn. A cold wind was blowing into my face and I was glad of my temporary hat.  


Continuing west I passed another sheepfold. The narrow footpath joins the track again as it heads towards the fence.

Crossing the fence line that drops down from Broadhope Hill to my right and Scald Hill on my left. I had a short rest in the shelter of a grouse but (460m). I could see low cloud or mist on The Cheviot to my southwest.


And on Hedgehope Hill to my south.


I continued west to the edge and I could see stunning views down the valley. Walking down hill I dropped down to the south edge of the wood. The bottom of the wood on the right of this photo. 


Walking along outside the south edge of the wood. Although there was a little up and down in places. It was a lovely walking along here and sheltered.

Leaving the wood behind me I was now following west along a grass footpath. Looking down the valley as last time the views were beautiful. 



The grass path drops and I caught my first glimpse of Goldscleugh. 


Approaching Goldscleugh I followed the fence line up, it was along here I saw a number of golf balls lying on the track. I had the idea that someone must have been practicing by hitting the balls from the cottage up the hill.

Moving through the gate I followed the track down a steep bank as it heads towards the buildings and a ford. Crossing the ford I got my feet a little wet. My boots were still damp from my wanderings last Saturday. 

Moving onto the road leaving Goldscleugh behind, I could see Dunsdale ahead of me and the path I would take to the west.


The road rises and falls as it moves west towards Dunsdale. Along here I saw this Mad March Hare, who ran down the road ahead of me.


It was sheltered walking along here and I was out of the cold wind. Different to the last time I walked here. When I got to the cattle grid I saw that the hare had fallen into the cattle grid. Fortunately it climbed out and ran away as I was approaching. 


Taking the path up towards Dunsdale I crossed a bridge over Bizzle Burn (260m). Looking left up towards the area of Bizzle Crags all I could see was a large clump of mist. 

I walked through Dunsdale and joined the footpath that climbs up the south side of the wood to the west. The view down College Valley was clear.


The path follows a fence line south west, after crossing an open boggy area the footpath joins the area of harvested wood again. 


I followed along the fence line south west. Crossing the fence the footpath started heading slightly down hill. In the distance through the mist I caught a glimpse of the Mountain Refuge Hut.



After crossing a clearing and a high style the path moved further down hill. 


Continuing down hill I missed the way down to the footbridge and so continued up the valley following the stream looking for a place to cross. It didn't take me long to find the remains of an old concrete bridge (350m).


I continued following the one of the streams and I realised I was on the path towards the Hen Hole. A quick navigation check and I turned further south west to join the footpath up towards Red Cribs.

Climbing this path I could see looking east up towards the Hen Hole.


It was a steep climb and I could see the Red Cribs down to my left. As I climbed the mist was thickening.


I was sheltered walking up College Valley this soon changed when I reached the top of Red Cribs. Turning left, east towards the Mountain Refuge Hut I felt the wind picking up and it was in my face. I was now on The Pennine Way.


I had a short rest at the Auchope Mountain Refuge Hut (498m). Which is dedicated to Stuart Lancaster who had died in a snow storm near here. I have stopped here a few times now and love this place. 
After a couple of cups of hot chocolate and my jam sandwiches, I was ready to set off again. I was so glad of my new hat. 


I took my time climbing up the very steep side towards Auchope Cairn, moving east.  


The mist was getting thicker and the wind was getting stronger as I was climbing. It was also getting colder. Finally I reached Auchope Cairn (720m) where I had a quick look around for a Geocache. It was too cold to spend too much time here so I moved on.


Moving back to the stone path I started climbing again. I reached the fence where walkers of The Pennine Way can either turn up to visit The Cheviot or miss The Cheviot and walk down the way I had just walked up, towards the Auchope Mountain Refuge Hut. 

I continued up to The Cheviot.




You can see how poor the visibility was.


As the path continues to climb I passed Cairn Hill.


Eventually in the mist I reached The Cheviot trig point (815m), while here I looked for and found the Geocache.

It is here I feel the need to mention my friend Ian. On my walk today I often thought of Ian who I had brought up to The Cheviot a few years ago, on a different route. Unfortunately it is with some sadness I should say Ian is no longer with us. 

After a couple of photos I continued north east along the stone path. The wind was very strong here, fortunately it was behind me. Giving me the impression it did not want me around and was trying to blow me off The Cheviot.


I walked the path and crossed the fence at the style.


Heading down hill it was still misty and I had to take care with the strong wind. This was where I saw a couple walking up hill, fortunately they were battling into the wind and with the mist I am sure they did not see my strange hat.


Soon the countryside opened up below me and I could see the path as it drop then rises up Scald Hill. The path was very wet and slippery.


From Scald Hill (549m) I could also see some of the route I had taken earlier in the day, across the side of Broadhope Hill. 
Leaving Scald Hill I walked down the fence line then followed the footpath east down towards Langleeford. It was very warm here and I no longer needed my hat.



At the bottom I turned left at the road and walked back towards my car. Just before the parking area I turned right down beside a wall, crossed a bridge over Harthope Burn to collect another Geocache.
Back at my car I had a quick rest with a couple of cups of hot chocolate before I headed home. I felt great, I had had a lovely day celebrating a special occasion. Covering 21km with 1100m climb.

Cheers Cheviot see you later.
More to follow


Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done in Northumberland or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.