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 Coast-to-Coast, part 1
Robin Hood's Bay to Keld
 4th - 11th June, 2005


Robin Hood's Bay to Glaisdale, 20.8 miles: Eleven intrepid souls left Boggle Hole YH following the Cleveland Way to Falling Foss waterfall and the Hermitage, and then on to Grosmont where the tearoom delayed us for 30 minutes! The Arncliffe Arms at Gleasdale was soon reached where Dave’s squashed banana and Mike’s loaned dressing gown (very Noel Coward) kept us amused at dinner.

Glaisdale to Clay Bank Top, 18 miles: Today’s walk took us across moorland to White Cross (Fat Betty) and the White Lion Inn where after refreshment we trod the Rosedale Ironstone Railway for 5 miles. Tonight’s lodging at Chopgate was the Buck Inn which appeared to be run almost entirely by one lady. She ferried us to and from the end of the walk, ran the bar, served the meals and no doubt blew up the airbeds for which two of us drew the short straw.

Clay Bank Top to Ingleby Arncliffe, 12 miles: A stiff slog up Hasty Bank took us to the Wainstones then over Cold and Cringle Moors to Lord Stones café. Yet more moorland before reaching Beacon Hill where before descending into Ingleby and the Bluebell Inn, part of the group escorted three young Australian girls who wished to visit the local priory??

Ingleby Arncliffe to Richmond, 23 miles: This was our longest walking day and the hottest! The White Swan Inn at Danby Wiske (where the landlady knew how to charge!) provided welcome cooling drinks. Crossing Catterick Bridge over the River Swale, Richmond came into view, we then had an unscheduled tour searching for the B&B using unhelpful directions from the locals.

Richmond to Reeth, 11.2 miles: A shorter day, so the group split up with the intention of rejoining later. This plan was thrown into confusion when Dave, who was in the rearguard, fell over and required first-aid. Luckily we all met up in Elaine’s Tea Rooms at Applegarth Farm. The group then walked down the Nuns Causeway again meeting the River Swale and into Reeth where the King's Arms served us well that night.

Reeth to Keld, 11 miles: The last day of walking, so we decided to split into three parties. Nine took the high route with the two Mikes deciding on the more attractive river option where lots of birds and animals were seen and the meadows were filled with wild flowers. Gunnerside village tea rooms enticed these two who thought of the high level walkers (briefly) who had no such luxury, but after passing Crackpot Hall and reaching Keld they met guess who in the local tea shop!

Many thanks to David Craddock for organising this trip. We all anticipate more adventures in the concluding section in September (Keld to St Bee's Head).

Mick Freeland

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