Almost there
Had a cream tea and we are just waiting for the families to arrive so we can dip out feet in the. But of course the tide is out.
Walking
Last day
So we set and stopped. Could not pass the Signal Tea Rooms at Grosmont station.
Weather perfect for our final fifteen miles.
Time to reflect
This is the first day I’ve really thought about the end of our/my journey. In fact I’ve been in quite a reflective mood. The trip was always going to be a challenge as I’d never walked more that 10 miles before Clive suggested doing the Coast to Coast. Our training and preparation did take me beyond what we needed to do in distance, but no amount of training will help with understanding the terrain or conditions in bad weather. For those contemplating the walk you should take the time to plan your preparation. Being a fair bit larger in girth than the average walker, I also realised my fitness would be an issue. Tipping the scales at a mere 111kg (that’s 17 1/2 stone in old money) at the start of the walk, some of the terrain has taken me to places both physically and mentally I’ve not been before be they the precarious footings of swirral edge or the stiles of Swaldale, the boggy ground of Watendlath fell or the swollen gills we had to jump & wade through on our way to Tan Hill. What my weight is at the end I have no idea, but I do know I’m fitter in both mind and body. I’m looking forward to tommorow and seeing my family who are coming to cheer us to the end. And then the journey will be over, or at least this one, as in life we make many journeys, we never seem to reach a destination, for there will always be new journeys for us to make. What I do hope is I can learn from my experiences while on the walk because after tommorow I’ll have a new journey to make.
Day 10
Having seen the forecast, which said ‘Heavy Rain’ and chance of Thunderstorms!, we consulted the map to see if we could get to Chop Gate any early by taking a short cut. So taking a right we headed towards Scugdale Hall and the over Wath towards Risedale and finally Chop gate thus saving 4 miles, not that we didn’t get wet again but at least only showers. By the time the heavy rain came we were safely inside.
What a morning!
Taken looking down towards Chop Gate, Bilsdale. A beautiful morning, and while cloudier later it was great leaving this morning. Jusr 19 miles to take us to within 15 miles of the finish. So that’s about 175 miles done.
Coming into Risedale
The walk into Risedale was easier due to the break between the showers. Tomorrow’s forecast is equally grim and no hope for short cuts. Still only 35 miles to go.
Coming into Risedale Read More »
