'N' Day

Today is N Day which means it is the day that my hooman Nana gets to move into her new house for real.  Murphy and I are both looking forward to her being close to us, it means no more long journeys in the car to see her, and we think she will love living near us ... who wouldn't?

So we were out early this morning to get our walk over and done with before she arrives.  Mum got a photo of the top of my head.  I don't know why she thinks it is such a mystery as to how I can get drool and slobber up there

And then there was Ted

Ted (Sunday name Ferndale High Season) took his hooman Mum Sarah to RHB today to be a
One-Welsh Welcoming Committee for Fergus.  From all accounts, one Welshie is all that was needed, especially for a big charge about.

You would have thunk Fergus was too tired for all that!

A big day for both chaps really.  Fergus - well we know all about him - and Ted.... well the first time he has met another Welshie!  He picked a good 'un to meet first and they both seem to have had a good time.

The End

Wainwright describes a variety of routes from Littlebeck to the ultimate destination of Robin Hood's Bay, in part I think to sort the true walkers from the not so true.

From Littlebeck along the falling Foss Nature Trail and across Sneaton Low Moor ('swampy in places but who cares about wet feet when Robin Hood's Bay is so near?) to the village of Hawkser leaving just 2.5 miles to go.  Wainwright says 'excitement is now at fever pitch' as the cliff path is reached and the final descent into RHB.

Wainwright finishes saying 'with head held high, the Coast to Coast walker completes the journey from one side of England to the other'

Our three have all done that safely and after all the organisation, navigation and miles walked they finally managed to locate the Bay Hotel at the entrance to the beach where at lunch time Fergus was awarded his susstificate to prove he done it.

 So what next?

Well after a well earned drink and lunch Fergus and his hoomans were hoping to meet up with a young Welshie named Ted who, with his hooman Mum, was very keen to share a word or two on the beach.

I think the plan for tomorrow will be something like stay in bed 'til late then drive home to collect the two tails Max and Inca.  For me, I have to take my Wainwright book back to the library now I have read it from cover to cover!

Penultimate Day

Almost there with today's walk starting in Glaisdale and ending in Littlebeck. Wainwright seems to like Glaisdale waxing lyrical about the scenery along the River Esk and the Eskdale railway.

Part of the route follows the boundaries of the Egton estate.  The village is slightly off the walking route, but Wainwright describes it as 'once famous for its markets and fairs and now has an annual gooseberry show'.  He goes on to say that the area appeals to many tourists including caravanners of whom he has a low opinion 'crowded caravan communities which never enhance a landscape .. are surely not the ideal means of escape'.  

Well, I think you might be wrong there Mr Wainwright, we love escaping in ours.

Walking along the northern boundary of the estate, our team spotted this notice detailing toll charges

Interesting that a hearse is 6d and a horse and 2-wheeled buggy only 4d.  I wonder how many people actually used a hearse for the necessary journey ... or did they 'make do'?

Next stop along the route is Grosmont, known for its railway station, Stephenson railway with steam locos and unusual signage.

Fergus should have been happy this afternoon as the road from Grosmont gives a first sight of the sea before 'plunging steeply down' to Littlebeck in a 'sheltered valley amid scenery of bewitching beauty'.

What a lovely way to finish today's report and to wish the chaps all the luck for their final few miles tomorrow.  Watch out RHB they're coming!!

More downs than ups

The nine miles from Blakey Ridge to Glaisdale today were a lot easier on the legs there being more descents than climbs - probably a welcome change for all.

Today also seems to have been the day for passing stones and monuments with weird names and customs.  Firstly Wainwright mentions Old Margery stating 'there is no young one around', then two ancient monuments called the Ralph Crosses.  Young Ralph apparently has a hollow top to 'contain coins donated for needy travellers'.

Strangely it was neither of these monuments that I have received a report about.  Oh no, I have been told about Fat Betty where tradition states walkers should both take and leave a snack or sweet for fellow travellers. No surprise then that this was the monument mentioned in today's report!

So who left what today?

Uncle Dave swapped a chocolate roll for some Kendal Mint Cake and Aunty Debbie (a little miffed by all accounts that the cake was not shared) swapped a strawberry fruit bar (very healthy) for a tin of sardines??
I think I can spot the sardines in the photo and I know who had those!  Here he is with Fat Betty - not sure if this is pre or post the sardines..

Just 2 days to go, who would have thunk it after all the planning and walking.  Anyone in the vicinity of the beach at Robin Hood's Bay on Wednesday had better watch out as Fergus the water babe will be desperate to get his paws onto the sand and I venture to guess it might get a bit emotional when the pebbles are dispatched into the North Sea.

A short walk

That was ours today - only about 2 miles this morning and not the multi-miles that Fergus has been putting in.  Still it was lovely strolling along in the sunshine through the big fields at Clumber with Murphy and Mum.

Contemplating the view across the lake

Striking a pose

Sunday - 9 miles

Today's stage was from Clay Bank Top to Blakey Ridge walking mainly over grouse moor which must have had Fergus' nose twitching somewhat.

They are tricky to see, apparently they weren't in the mood to pose

At Blakey Ridge, all ready for a pint after a long days walk ..

The Lion Inn at Blakey, dating from 1553

Just under 30 miles to go and on track to arrive in Robin Hood's Bay (or RHB if you are an old hand at this like I am) on Wednesday.

Saturday and an apology

Apologies first for not blogging last night, but I was a little busy helping Mum unpack boxes (yes after 2 days of it she still hadn't finished) and move my Nana into her new house.  Strangely though at the end of the day and after yummy fish and chips for tea Nana didn't go to her new house she went home with Tigger and said 'see you on Thursday Merlin'.

I've no idea what is going on, but I can assure you I will be at the new house on Thursday to be sure I don't miss anything.

And so to the walk.  Saturday's route was Swainby to Clay Bank Top which Wainwright descries as 'a splendid walk'.  The weather was good so great views to be had of Teeside and Roseberry Topping a miniature Matterhorn thanks to quarrying operations.

Another day, another fell top, another cairn ... this is Carlton Moor the highest point on the Cleveland escarpment

Along the way the team came across several 18th century boundary stones carved with the landowner's initials and thought this one in particular was very appropriate

He'll be wanting one in the garden when he gets home!

Finally for Saturday, the view from Clay bank Top

Partial rest day

To avoid the hottest part of the day our team made an early start and completed another 8 miles to reach Swainby by 10.30am yesterday.  The afternoon was spent as a rest period which I am sure everyone was ready for.

This gives me an opportunity to tell you of a little known tradition amongst the Coast to Coast fraternity .. pebble carrying.

Yes that's right, carry a pebble 190 miles across the country and then through it into the sea.  Sounds a bit odd to me, but Aunty Debbie explains 'I haven't completely lost the plot - one of the C2C traditions is to collect a pebble from St Bees's, carry it to RHB and deposit it in the North Sea. So we are playing our part in a steady geological transfer that may one day baffle scientists! 

The 1p is for scale. I think our choices of pebble were apt - I chose the smallest one I could find (on the right) and Dave chose the flattest he could find - a skimmer! Definitely a boy thing!'

I think that's a really nice tradition, although Aunty Debbie went on to tell me 'having carried it all this way I've got quite attached to mine and I'll be quite sorry to see it go!'

We here back at base camp, and that includes Max and Inca on their not quite as strenuous holiday, are all very proud of our trio and especially of Fergus who is getting closer to the beach every day.  (I hope the tide is out when he gets there and he gets to feel the sand between his paws.)  On top of the walking efforts, he has also managed to raise £925 for the AHT, which in all honesty is an amount that none of us ever expected to get close to.

I know Debbie, Dave and Fergus would like me to say on their behalf a very big thank you to everyone for their support, messages and donations.

Short stage

Just 8.5 miles today from Bolton-on-Swale to Oaktree Hill, so it was possible to have an early start and avoid the hot weather this afternoon.

I have been sent this photo today of a monument in the graveyard at Bolton-on-Swale.

It is a monument to Henry Jenkins erected in 1743 to commemorate his long life - Henry was born in nearby Ellerton in 1500 and died there in 1670 aged 169!

As it is a short report tonight, I have a few messages to post which I know always cheer the troops.

Firstly I have been asked to say 'hello' to Mary and Michael who I believe read all my posts from stage one.  I hope the content is still up to scratch in stage two.

From the comfort of their sofa, Milly, Poppy and Bonnie say 'great to hear your walk is going more or less to plan.  All the best for the next stage'. (Could I just add here it would be great to see you girls and your Mum Sue again soon.)

And finally for tonight, Louise and Steve have said they are 'very impressed'.   Fergus has asked         me to say he hopes he sees them and their Vdub again soon .... I am sure they know what that means!


Wainwright says 'there is no cause to linger at Oaktree Hill unless waiting for a bus'.  Not a very nice thing to say, but then I haven't been there.  I do understand the team is making an early start again tomorrow, so .....

Because I can

Don't be alarmed, I have permission to do this today.  I am about to post a really lovely photo of Aunty Debbie and Duggie.



Duggie was the second Welshie to share the lives of Aunty Debbie and Uncle Dave and was dearly loved by everyone who knew him.  Duggie had many walking trips with his hoomans and Mum has a lot of lovely photos of him but asked specially permission to use this one.

Aunty Debbie's first Welshie was called Tania but her first introduction to this most wonderful breed (well I would say that wouldn't I?) was through meeting a chap called Hector.  She was smitten and Hector's hoomans Jean and David probably have quite a lot to answer for even all these years later.

Hector (left) and Tania (right)

Jean and David have sent a message to the team saying they are 'following your progress with interest'.

Thank you for the support.

He's in the water again

You just can't keep him out ..

This is Paddy's Bridge

   Diary entry ..
   2.20pm   arrive Richmond after 10.2 miles. Now off to find ice cream!

   3pm  Just one cornetto!
Surely you never doubted he would find one?  Just remember who is in the support team ... both are partial to a spot of ice cream I have heard although it doesn't look like Fergus is sharing that one!

  3.30pm  Keep Dad company in the car while Mum goes shopping
  4.45pm  Arrive back at the caravan and just time for a quick snooze

   before ...
   6pm  DINNER - best time of the day


Quick correction on the back pack contents mentioned in an earlier post.  Fergus has asked me to state that he brought two support team members because Mum has the treats, Dad carries his water. Good move.


I am just off out for a quick walk around the village with my Dad.  Our evening has been very uneventful ... I ate my dinner, like Fergus at 6pm, and Murphy has just eaten his now at 9.15pm. What has he been doing during those 3 hours? I hear you ask.  
Short answer: driving Mum mad woofing at nothing every 10 minutes because Dad went out! You've gotta love him.

Diary of a Walking Welshie

In case anyone thought Fergus and the team were on a holiday and just wandering around taking photos, here is an extract from today's diary entry ....

   6.50am   jump on bed to make sure hoomans are wake before alarm at 7 am   
   7.10am   walk round paddock with Dad checking out the bunnies   
   7.30am   chicken for breakfast - yummy!   
   7.50am   off to Richmond by car   
   8.55am   catch Little White Bus to Reeth



In case you wondered ...

   I hope the driver realises how lucky
   he is to be featured on my blog






   9.20am   bus arrives in Reeth
   9.30am   start walk to Richmond   
   9.40am   early morning dip en route

   

10.30am  climb 375 'Nuns Steps' 

[Tour Guide Merlin's comment: so called as the Benedictine nuns from Marrick Priory are thought to have exercised here]

12.00       Very important time check :  lunch at Marske after 5.5 miles

So that's what's in Uncle Dave's back pack!

I am exhausted already!

Back to KS

Today's stage was from Kirkby Stephen (or KS to those of us who are old hands at this walking lark) to Keld.

I think I am right in saying that this should have been yesterday's walk, but there was a last minute switch because of the poor weather?  If I've got that wrong, I will be corrected and also blame Mum! Today's weather was much better with only light rain.

Uncle Dave manage to come across a grouse butt (no I had never heard of one before either) and looks quite at home in it.

Fergus apparently has boundless energy this week, although I am told it is most apparent around dinner time.

The half way mark has been passed with the team hitting the Yorkshire Dales National Park now.  A good time to remind everyone quite why they are doing this walk ... because they are bonkers.

Well may not totally ... the main reason is to raise money for the lovely people at the Animal Health Trust who work so hard for all animals.  We came to know them after Fergus survived a bout of SCI 5 years ago.  Sadly the funding for any continued research has run out, but they are currently working on researching glaucoma in dogs and especially Welshies.

So that's the serious bit.  If you would like to support the team - and thank you to everyone who has and raised an incredible £862.50 so far - please follow this link to the Fergus The Dog page at Virgin Money Giving http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FergusTheDog where you can also see a few pictures from the first half of the walk.

Underway

Having had a few days at home and managing a short (about 6 miles) walk at the weekend just to keep themselves in the mood, the team set out yesterday to walk from Keld to Reeth in heavy rain and mist.

Keld is an ancient Scandinavian settlement above the Swale, it's name meaning 'a place by the river' which Wainwright describes as a 'friendly refuge in an unfriendly landscape' (of moorland).  The route to Reeth runs through some of the old lead mining workings  - Wainwright says 'no scenes of beauty are promised and none will be seen' which explains why the photos were scarce in last night's report what with that endorsement and the weather!

There is always time for a quick shot of Fergus though, looking very cheeky here (if a bit wet) and 'full of beans' Aunty Debbie reports.

Are we there yet?

That is a question I believe will be running through Fergus' head quite a lot over the next few days.

I will explain.

Last week Murphy and I met up with him for a gentle stroll, during which he told us that every morning on the walk from St Bees to Kirkby Stephen (82 miles don't forget) he was told 'come on Fergus we are going to the beach'.

Fergus is a bright chap (he works for his biscuits unlike some of us) but he told us that he was getting a bit confused when by the end of each day there was no beach to be seen and from the photos I've seen in Mum's book, Kirkby Stephen is pretty well landlocked.

Today he has headed off with the hooman support team for the second stage of the walk: Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood's Bay.

Now Aunty Debbie is our favouritist person after Mum and Dad, but I have to say I hope there is a beach at the end of these 108 miles or I think young Fergus will be mightily upset.

A Friday present?

Mum was up and out really early this morning to go shopping and came back with something that made Dad question whether she had picked up someone else's shopping.

Of course it was for us.. or should I say they were for us.  A new toy each although they look remarkably the same (Mum says to stop arguments).  She told Dad there was a new shelf of toys at the super market all jumping up and down shouting 'Buy Me'!    

So, she did.  I thought they were great, Murph doesn't look too sure of his though

Lazy weekend

We had a very lazy weekend with our 'van at Bulwick.

Dad said Mum had done very well when she took it to the site on her own last week, but that he might just 'tweek it a bit' when we go back this weekend and put up an awning,

I thought he was very clever and got out of what could have been a very difficult situation by adding that 'tweeking' the 'van would just make it a bit easier for him and not that there was anything wrong with Mum's set up.  (A bit if quick thinking on Dad's part there!)

It was very hot, so we had a lazy Saturday afternoon and had our walk after dinner which was much cooler.  The site was quite busy and there were more dogs to share our dog walk with than we had seen before,  I can't wait until Fergus and the gang are there too and we can reclaim the doggy area for ourselves.

Sunday was cooler so we headed of to Fotheringhay to a craft fair.  Mum wanted to see the ruins of the castle (here's the history bit: Mary Queen of Scots was executed there and Richard III born there apparently) but the guide she looked at said all that was left was a mound of earth and nothing else .... so we gave it a miss!

New blue thing

Mum was away from home all day yesterday busy delivering our 'van to it's summer home (we are heading off to see it tomorrow), shopping and then horse riding.

She came home with a box which she said was for Murphy and Me, but we had to wait until this morning to see what it was.






Dad duly took time out from work this morning to 'put it together' ....







waiting for it to be ready

got a bit more than I bargained for 

got it this time 

finally I'm in the pool!!!!!

Scorchio already!

Phew it's warm and it isn't even lunch time yet.

We were out for another early walk this morning which was lovely, then when we got home Murphy took up his favourite spot in the garden - Mum always says as a puppy he always found the sunny spot.

It;s a tough life for a boy though, all this lying around and looking handsome ...

Then there's me ... just looking gorgeous and ready for anything, if a little scruffy a bit close to the camera!