'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.