The Cleveland Hike 2019 - Day 1
Kepwich to Church Houses
North Yorkshire
Distance 38km Climb 970m
Saturday 29 June 2019
This was the first time I had done The Cleveland Hike. I had only heard about it a few months ago and when I was given the opportunity I jumped at it.
As with the previous walk I wrote up on my blog there was a weather warning. However this time, unlike the rain and risk of flooding, the weather forecast was for sun and heat and there was lots of it.
We arrived at the campsite on the Friday evening R, Big G, young C, young M and me. Waking early in the morning for breakfast we soon prepared our kit ready for the start. Whilst waiting a flock of geese flew overhead.
When we had passed the checks we were allowed to start, so off we set. Leaving the field we turned left then headed east. Soon we were climbing up hill, although early it was warm and I could feel a certain glow, sweat. A slight turn left and we were passing the gate house to Kepwick Hall.
Although bright there was a little haze over some of the fields. Continuing down the lane, I could see the Hall down to my right.
The lane started to climb and turn continuing east. At the top of the lane we crossed the path of The Cleveland Way.
We continued slightly south eastwards along the track over Little Moor and moorland stretched to our left and right. Down in the valley to our left we could see mist, this would soon burn off. Grouse feeders stretched across the moors to our right and I could see clumps of self heal, little blue flowers, all over the area
The path drops slightly before passing a small crag on our right.
A further drop led us into the welcome shade of the south side of North Moor Wood. After a few hundred meters the track becomes a road as it continues to head down hill. Continuing eastwards along the road the views open up to our left. Across the field and above the trees we could see the area of Check Point 1. Still a couple of kilometres to go.
A small wood to our left had been partially harvested and I could smell the freshly cut wood. Down the valley I could hear the sounds of a chain saw, but could not identify where it was working.
Leaving the wood we could see more clearly the area of Check Point 1 at Moor Gate.
The road started to drop down again, passing an area of wild rhubarb on our right. Passing some houses we turned north on a footpath across what looked like a farm yard and stables. Passing this nice looking house up to our left.
Across a field and a narrow bridge over a stream, we turned right, east again then the footpath took us down by Blow Gill. A larger bridge this time took us over the Gill.
We were now on the eastern side of the Gill walking north under the trees. The path starts climbing north east away from the Gill up steps formed by narrow tree roots. Through a gate into a large field back into the sunlight. Where we followed the edge of the field as it climbed. Walking over soft ground we climbed a couple of fences before more climbing across the open slope of the ground to reach a footpath that took us north.
The footpath levels slightly before dropping down gently to Moor Gate.
After completing the task at Check Point 1, we were given the Grid of Check Point 2, there was also an unmanned Check Point we had to go via on our way. This stretch of The Cleveland Hike was a timed section, so off we went heading northwards across Hawnby Moor.
It was safe for lapwings, grouse and curlews to fly about the area, as no-one was using the many grouse buts on the moor. We passed Low Thwaites as we headed towards the Bilsdale West Moor transmitter mast.
Pushing on we reached our turning and headed east for a short while on a track running beside a wall. It wasn't long before we turned again onto a narrow track that took us over open moorland, old fence posts marked some of the route. After a few hundred meters this narrow track turned away from the direction we wanted to go, so we made our own path across the moor. I spotted loads of star moss. When we reached the track that runs south east from the transmitter, we turned right.
We followed this track down hill as it twisted and turned, it was very steep in places. Taking us to Coniser the unmanned Check Point.
Our route was now along the footpath that runs through Coniser, heading southwards. Passed Coniser we turned left onto a footpath that heads east, through fields and styles and gates, dropping steadily down hill.
Another turn in the path and we walked south into Check Point 2 at Low Mill and another task, for R, young C and Big G.
It was very warm, once the task was completed and we had refilled our water bottles we received the Grid for Check Point 3.
We turned right onto the road and walked for a few hundred meters until we found a track that would take us up to High Crossett. Walking between the buildings we followed the footpath as it turned south east and started a long climb up hill.
Phew, after a short rest we continued up and through a gate onto a footpath that headed east.
It was only after I was re-reading and checking my blog I noticed this natural aide to navigation. Although the sun was shining casting a shadow on the right of the track. Tristan Gooley mentions in his book The Natural Navigator, puddles take longer to dry on the southern side of west-east paths. You can see that in this photo.
Turning off the wide track we continued following the marking stones east. In the distance we could see the feature where Check Point 3 was set.
Cresting the ridge we headed down towards a small square wood. We were following the path on the northern side of this wood.
A drop down to cross near a stream junction on Bonfield Gill. The footpath follows the edge of the stream that flows down from the north west across an area shown on the map as Botany Bay. In part a wall follows the far bank.
We continued climbing until we reached a tarmac road and turned right.
Taking us down to Check Point 3, at spot height 332 and another task for the lads. R, Big G, young C and young M had done well in completing the task. We took some time to have something to eat and do some admin.
Due to the heat the organisers had arranged for us to leave our kit and only carry water and emergency kit.
Once ready to leave we received the Grid to Check Point 4, another timed section on The Cleveland Hike. Wasting no time we headed south east down a footpath. Across the valley we could see where we were heading. Over that ridge lay Check Point 4.
We went down through a felled wood onto what would have been a forest track.
Leaving the felled wood we headed for the broken Stork House. When I see places like this I wonder who lived there, the family must have been substantial to build such a big property. What had happened to make them leave?
Passing around Stork House we followed a footpath on the far side down hill heading east. Large ferns covered the path as we had to fight our way down, dropping into the shade of some old trees. Bird boxes had been fixed to some of the trees. After a few hundred meters the path drops down to cross Hodge Beck by a footbridge.
Over the bridge there was a short climb.
Leaving the welcome shade of the wood we followed the footpath south east as it climbed across and around open fields. Reaching a stone track we turned left and continued to climb gently northwards. After a few hundred meters the track crests as it turns north east and joins a tarmac road. Looking down we could see Check Point 4 on the bridge over Ouse Gill.
Dropping down to Check Point 4 we all took part in the task. No time to loose so as soon as we were ready to set off, we collected the Grid for Check Point 5. Before setting off the organisers had warned us to avoid Bog House so we changed our route.
Continuing south east there was a short climb as we left the bridge at Check Point 4. Once on the rise the road levelled off and we passed Rudland Farm then Rudland House.
Passing the track entrance to Bog House we continued along the road to the end. An information board shows we were now in the area of Nawton Towers Estate.
From the junction we continued east and joined a track that turned north then east to a farm called Harland. Were a number of dogs chased us biting young C. It was along here we met a group of people who were setting up a marquee for a party that would cater for 200 people. It was interesting talking to them and they seamed pleased to see us and chat to us.
Continuing east along the track, when the track turns south east and starts to head down hill, we followed a narrow path north east down to join the road. Turning left and heading north we passed an organisers bus. Who told us to leave our emergency bag and just carry our water. Although the shadows were lengthening it was still very warm.
For most of this part the road was leading us gently down hill.
A sharp right turn and the road steepens a little as it drops down to another place called Low Mill, where to the right was Check Point 5 and the last task of the day.
R, young C and young M did us proud in the task. Again, no hanging about once we were sorted we got the Grid to Check Point 6 the campsite, and set off.
Our route was to follow the footpath by the stream north.
Twisting and turning by the stream we eventually reached the road into Church Houses where we found the field of our campsite.
It was then time for a meal, some admin and a well deserved rest. It had been a great days walking, we had covered 38km with a 970m climb, more again tomorrow, excellent.
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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