Friday 19 August 2016

Some reflections on Walking the Cleveland Way

Accessibility: links to public transport at either end are reasonable. I used trains and buses to get on and off at either end. In between there are buses down the coast but fewer on the moors. However folks will give lifts, from b and b's for example. I had 3 different lifts, two from fellow travellers and one from a terrific b and b owner at Dromonby Bridge.

Walkability: the route is well marked. I had the GPS which did mean I was never lost, but the little acorn signs are frequent on the ground. The sections worked out reasonably well. I did it in 11 days only missing out some of Osmotherley to Clay Bank and Staithes to Whitby. It is reasonably strenuous, more so on the coast possibly because I was more tired by then. Mostly dry weather meant the path was not slippery which was good as there were quite a lot of steps.

The YHA's: mostly good. Boggle Hole was excellent. The others all score good. They have the advantage of mostly being near the route. The disadvantage is the bunk beds. Food good in all of them.

Things to see: there's loads from wildlife to stunning scenery to historical and cultural sites. All of this gave me plenty to think about. Add to that lovely local food: the Staithes kippers and the Robin Hood Bay mackerel were the best! Also enough people to talk to but not crowded. A few familiar faces popped up from time to time. I hope they all completed the challenge as well.

Meanwhile the world has moved on. The Rio Olympics are nearly over and Yorkshire has done really well. But Aleppo is still under seige....

As the world turns; Creator keep us each day;
As the people meet; Christ keep us each day;
As the energy flows; Spirit keep us each day;
In the power and company of the Holy Three, One God forever.

(prayer originally written for Bob's End to End, 2003).

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