The End

We finished as we started with Rita leading us down to the sea where stones from the west coast were thrown into the water and feet (and boots!) refreshed in the sea. Then a feast of fish, chips and cups of tea to celebrate.

It took Wainwright a year to complete the walk but we took a little longer. In his words 'It is a walk I recommend, not necessarily to undertake in a single journey, but in parts as place, time and weather become convenient. But as I said before, vary it to suit yourself.....'

All that remains for me to say is a great big thank you to everyone who has organised the project, led the walks, booked the weekends, driven the bus and taken part in the walks. Being a member of Bradford CHA is a pleasure and a privilege and is like gaining a new family. Long may it remain so.

I dedicate this blog to all Bradford CHA members past and present, but with special thoughts of those who have passed on but continue the journey with us in our hearts and minds.

Littlebeck to Robin Hood's Bay

Our final day found us retracing our steps over the moor and down to Littlebeck as the bus couldn't get down the steep winding road. From here we took a lovely path through the Falling Foss nature trail leading to the waterfall.

The path was surprisingly muddy in parts but made a pleasant change.

From here we crossed another area of moorland and a walk down a muddy lane (the wrong muddy lane as it happens but who cares!) before reaching Hawsker where Colin and Joan were waiting to greet us. A few of our party lingered there for refreshment but the main party could sense that the sea was almost in sight and our final destination was calling.

A quick foray through Northcliffe Caravan Park brought us to the cliff top and the North Sea. We had done it, walked from coast to coast and a couple of miles of cliff path later we arrived in Robin Hood's Bay, journey's end.

Glaisdale to Littlebeck

Well here we are nearly at the end of our journey and a weekend away with CHA in Whitby YHA was a fine way to finish. Abbey House belonged to CHA in recent years and was sold to YHA and completely refurbished recently. Parts of it date back to the 12th century but I don't think it was ghosts we could hear in the night........more like scouts!

It is set on the top of the cliff adjacent to Whitby Abbey and there are fine views from many of the rooms overlooking Whitby or the Abbey. I was in a room overlooking the car park, but that's another story! If we had been there when it was open we could have taken a free tour of the abbey, but if you follow this link you can take a virtual tour.

The walk from Glaisdale to Littlebeck passed through Grosmont where we spent some time experiencing the sights and sounds of the 1940s. Many people were dressed in uniform or period clothing and everything was there from musquash to pinnies! It was an interesting diversion and gave us all something to talk about as we made our way up the steep hill out of Grosmont and up on to the moors.

The weather was a bit misty and drizzly on the tops but very warm for the time of year and we saw sloes and damsons in abundance as we left Littlebeck on our way to Sleights station where William was waiting for us with the bus.