The Cleveland Hike 2019 - Day 2
Church Houses to Danby
North Yorkshire
Distance 20km Climb 550m
Sunday 30 June 2019
As I said yesterday this was the first time I had done The Cleveland Hike. I had only heard about it recently and when the opportunity came to do it I jumped at it. The weather forecast was for more sunshine but it was going to be a little cooler than Day 1.
We awoke early R, Big G, young C, young M and me. Due to the heat we would only be taking an emergency burgan between the team today with plenty of water. After breakfast we made our way to the start, collected our Grid to Check Point 7 and another unmanned check point to walk via and we set off.
Leaving the campsite we turned right, east and walked the few meters into Church Houses.
Turning left, north west at the junction and passed the pub.
After a few hundred meters we took the footpath up hill to our right, north east, climbing towards Head House Farm.
At Head House Farm I saw this gentleman.
Finding the footpath that heads north west we continued to climb.
For part we followed what looked like an ancient path before turning more north, finding this path.
The ground levels when we reached the Esk Valley Walk. I had walked part of this walk earlier in the year with Anne. Whitby to Grosmont via Egton Bridge.
Today we turned left, north west, in the area of High Blakey Moor onto the Esk Valley Walk. This part looks like it used to be a railway line. After approx. 2 km we reached the unmanned check point. Our route along the Esk Valley Walk turns north along a footpath heading downhill away from the old railway line.
After a few hundred meters the path climbs again.
A slight turn in the Walk and we drop down to cross a stream. We were following the leaping salmon sign.
A slight rise as we skirted the eastern edge of a small rise. Before dropping again to cross another stream. The map shows these streams all feed into the River Esk a little further north.
In parts the path was very wet and muddy, wooden boards had been put in some places. Continuing north we soon reached a small wood. Which provided some very welcome relief from the sun. Reaching a ford over the stream we turned right and followed the road towards Waites House Farm and Check Point 7.
A short rest while we prepared for the task.
We all took part in this task and once it was completed we collected the Grid to Check Point 8 and another unmanned check point we had to go via.
Walking north west along the track and then turning north onto a narrow road.
After a few hundred meters we turned left, crossed the stream and returned to the Esk Valley Walk, turning north.
Continuing north we crossed open fields, steadily climbing.
A small wood with the tops of the trees pointing north east.
The footpath became a farm track as it climbed.
Taking us to the unmanned check point on Little Hograh Moor.
After the unmanned check point we continued north east to the road where we turned right and walked back a few hundred meters south east before joining the footpath on our left across Westerdale Moor.
Heading east it was interesting walking along here as the narrow path twisted between boulders and by dry stone walls.
We could see the area of Check Point 8 Dibble Bridge ahead of us.
A few steep drops as we twisted down hill to a footbridge that took us over the River Esk.
After crossing the bridge we had a short climb as our path took us up then down following by the River Esk. A clump of bushes marked the start of Check Point 8, and it was another task we could all join in.
With the Grid to Check Point 9 we set off, climbing east up the road. We were still following the Esk Valley Walk.
At the first junction we turned left and started down hill.
Check Point 9 came into view down below.
Another task we could all enjoy, well some more than others. We then received the final Grid and another unmanned check point to go via.
So over the bridge and follow the road north west.
Pass under the railway bridge and next to the tennis courts we reached the unmanned check point.
Turning right we continued down the Esk Valley Walk.
Through Danby Park, continuing east.
Eventually the footpath joins the road and we turned left. A couple of turns and we could see Danby up to our front.
Climbing the road we reached the pub in Danby.
It was then a short walk down to our right and we were at the Danby Village Hall. The Cleveland Hike was now complete. Day 2 was 20km with a 550m climb.
An excellent walk, the good weather had helped, although it had been very hot on Day 1. Good support from everyone over the last two days, had made this a great event but my last words must go to R, Big G, young C and young M. Thanks Lads it had been a pleasure walking with you. Same again next year eh?
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 North Yorkshire or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
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