Day 15 Staithes to Whitby The End

The final day arrived and still the sun was shining as we arrived back in Staithes. The walk was very straightforward today and Rita gave everyone permission to go at their own pace while she brought up the rear to catch any stragglers. 

First of all the group who were doing the whole Cleveland Way walked back down the hill to the Cod and Lobster and then back up the hill past Captain Cook's cottage.

 Once on the cliff top we soon saw the old harbour of Port Mulgrave which now stands half derelict. This was once a hive of industry receiving iron ore from Grinkle ironstone mines by way of a mile long tunnel. This has now been sealed at both ends. The ore was shipped from here to the furnaces of Jarrow.

 Two miles further on and we arrived at Runswick Bay and thanks to Frank's book we took the correct path down to the beach. I think that probably we were the only people to follow the Cleveland Way correctly at this point as the signpost was very misleading.

A nice lunch stop here in the sunshine where we met up with some of the other groups. Then a short walk along the beach before turning right up the the steep ravine back on to the cliff tops. 

Plenty of steps

Looking back at Runswick Bay

Steep steps down at Deepgrove Wyke

At long last we arrived at the level track leading to Sandsend and we could see our final destination in the distance.

Although we were running a little late by this time we still made time for an ice cream or cup of tea in Sandsend before the final section to Whitby. 

Sandsend

 Now I think that most of the others who were ahead of us probably walked on the beach to Whitby but the tide was coming in quite rapidly so we only did a short section on the beach and then we took the way- marked Cleveland Way into Whitby along the high route. This was new to me and made an interesting end to the walk.

Nearly over now we all dispersed at the whale bone to have a paddle or get refreshments before the final meeting at the 199 steps up to the Abbey.

We finished where we started 18 months ago in very similar weather although if you look back through this blog you will remember rain, mud and snow that we encountered along the way. Another long distance path to add to the list of those completed.
Many thanks to all the people involved in the organisation of this project, in particular Ray and Jackie, and Rita and Frank. This club relies on volunteers to keep it going and I for one am extremely grateful to all of them. Where next I wonder?

THE END

Day 14 Saltburn to Staithes

Back in Whitby again for another weekend to complete our journey along the Cleveland Way and just as when we started, the weather was kind to us. The sun shone and the temperature was perfect for walking. It couldn't have been better.

Quite a number of us stayed in the magnificent YHA .

First of all we had to complete the final stretch into Saltburn that we had missed on the last outing.

 It wasn't long before the sea was in sight as we made our way down the road into Saltburn with its lovely beach and pier.

 My book says 'Fortunate indeed the walker who experiences blue skies, sunshine and balmy temperatures over this concluding section of the Cleveland Way'. We were indeed very fortunate.

A brief stop there and then off we went back up on to the cliff top.

 The path ran beside the railway track for a while until we reached an impressive Dreamcatcher sculpture where we stopped briefly so everybody could have a good look and take some photos.

Next stop was Cattersby Sands for lunch after making our way through the sand dunes.The 'A' party caught us up there and stopped for their lunch just beyond the jetty.

 The jetty protects the little bay at Sinningrove which grew up because of iron production in the area. This has now declined and the former Loftus ironstone mine is now a museum.

This fishing coble didn't look as though it had been at sea for a long time and I believe these may have been pigeon lofts, not beach huts! Obviously not a tourist area.

It wasn't long before we caught our first glimpse of Staithes in the distance. 

 Before reaching there we had a walk along Boulby Cliff, at 666ft it is the highest sea cliff on England's east coast, and then a steep descent into Staithes with its cobbled streets.

 The 'A' party were already there when we arrived enjoying a drink at the Cod & Lobster.

Plenty of time for drinks, ice cream or cups of tea before making our way up the hill to the car park where Steve was waiting with the coach.  We were soon back in Whitby where I decided to eat fish and chips on the pier before climbing the 199 steps up to the YHA. Well when in Whitby you have to have fish and chips don't you?

Day 13 Great Ayton to Saltburn

I was on holiday in Cornwall when this walk took place so many thanks to Brian and Jean who have provided the photos and the narrative.

The day started off sunny as we set off from Great Ayton towards Saltburn, which was quite a long stretch at around 13 miles.

Our route took us past Great Ayton station and up onto the moor, where there were some beautiful views back towards Captain Cook’s monument and then we headed towards Roseberry Topping (320m). Frank gave the group the option to climb Roseberry Topping as this is an optional part of the Cleveland Way and about 8 of the group decided to do it, whilst the remainder had a longer lunch break. There were lovely views from the top as it was a lovely clear day.

When we all got together again we progressed to Highcliff Nab where the group photo was taken, and then to Slapewath, by which time we were getting short of time with more than 5 miles to go!

The route then took us to Skelton where we encountered a beautiful red brick viaduct in Crowood and we eventually arrived on the outskirts of Saltburn at around 6.20pm.

 Thankfully Steve the driver very kindly came and picked us up but we were a little sad not to have seen the sea!

And here's some I prepared earlier, just in case you thought I wouldn't have done this section.

We all look at a bit younger then! Taken on 16 September 2007.

Day 12 Hasty Bank to Great Ayton

The weather forecast was for a warm sunny day but it didn't quite live up to expectations as there was a wind blowing that kept the temperature down and the sun only made a few brief appearances. Thankfully it wasn't too hot as the walk started with a climb on a paved section over a grassy hillside.

Once we reached the moor top the walking was much easier on a wide track and we stopped for a group photo at the Hand Stone and the Face Stone marking the way.

 The views were good and  the new heather emerging from the old burnt heather was very colourful. After a short stop in Kildale it was up again on to Easby Moor and Captain Cook's Monument. This was erected on the centenary of his birth in 1828. He wasn't born here but went to school in Great Ayton before moving to Staithes.

Captain Cook's Monument

 Once we reached the monument we left the Cleveland Way and made our way to Great Ayton down a very steep track covered in tree roots, quite hard going and a good job it was dry and not slippery. Time there for refreshments before the journey home.

Roseberry Topping

A distant view of Roseberry Topping that will be visited on the next section.

Day 11 Hasty Bank to Osmotherley

  It had been decided that we would do this walk back to front as it was better to finish in Osmotherley where refreshments are available. 11 miles and at least 1800ft of climbing later we finished.. This was the hardest section we had done so far and felt like an 'A' walk not even a 'B+'. We must have been over six hills by the end although they did get progressively lower thankfully. My book describes it as 'a switchback of climbs and descents over high moorland' and it was a magnificent walk although the misty conditions meant that we didn't get the best views.
We arrived in the middle of a car rally which caused some confusion.

There was plenty of this

Lunch with a view

Wainstones

More ups and downs

He wasn't interested in us

This is what we should have been able to see

Hmm how much further?

Tea break, looking a bit tired

We did eventually arrive in Osmotherley and the 'A' party seemed to have had a much easier walk than us. Just time for everyone to have a quick drink before setting off for home.