A day of contrasts. Immense views, soft sheep pasture, shady forest tracks, unforgiving, sun-baked moorland, a punishing final climb and cool village alleyways.
First stage of the Cleveland Way, one of the oldest National Trails in England. A great abbey, endless views and sleeping under a white horse.
A hike-free day in Helmsley and some productive sketching. Good-bye to the Tabular Hills and Swan Cottage and hello to the Cleveland Way. Preparing for the second stage of my hike around the North Yorkshire Moors, and meeting an acquaintance.
The final section of the Tabular Hills Way. Up hill and down dale. Too much road walking and a cold North East wind. Fish & Chips, the kindness of strangers, drastic action on the blister.
A ‘Zero’ hiking day. From Levisham station to Whitby on the historical steam railway. Chips and seagulls, disappointment and an expensive loss.
A day of pretty villages, sun-dappled holloways, yellow fields of oil-seed rape, garlic-scented woodland, bridges, bilberries and a bear.