Autumn Walk 2022 - Kirkby, Great Broughton, Stokesley and Great Ayton

Friday 30th September 2022

Walking Diary (All Walks) North Yorkshire & Co Durham Country Pub Crawls Easy Walks North Yorkshire Moors

The Autumn walk of 2022 took us from Kirkby to Great Ayton calling in at Great Broughton and Stokesley before finally arriving at Great Ayton visiting pubs all along the way.

The weather dominated, as it was a really wet and windy day, but spirits were high and a good day was still enjoyed by all. The beer was particularly good on this walk, as was the food - well done to the 'Jet Miners' at Great Broughton.

The walk is very flat with little, if any, ascent to note, and although we did this as a linear route, it could easily be adapted into a much longer circular one. We finished at 'The Tannery' in Great Ayton, an excellent Craft & Real Ale bar, before heading back by minibus to 'The Smog' in Stockton to complete the day. Another good outing, albeit a bit wet!


The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 8.8 miles
Duration: 7:00 hours
Ascent: 344 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Accompanied By: Davy, Paul, Ste, Rob, Dicko, Gary & Mark
Weather: High Winds & Heavy Rain

3D outline of route

Parking

Not too far to travel this time - A twenty minute minibus ride for us and we arrive at the starting point. The Black Swan at Kirkby. A smashing little pub with really good beer. We turned up just after 11am expecting it to be open (as per their website) but we were informed that they now open at 12. Oh dear, not a good start - but Paul's negotiations worked well, and we were soon enjoying a couple of nice pints of Timothy Taylor Landlord.

Not far to the next stop - Great Broughton, I chose to go the country route rather than the road.

Warmed up with the beer, it was time to set off on the 15 minute hike to Great Broughton.

No rain yet, but we all knew it wasn't far away.

Heading away from the direct road for 100metres before turning left through a very well presented set of new homes (possibly barn conversions) following the public footpath.

A quick pint in the Wainstones at Great Broughton - A very appropriate place to sit for one of our group.

Leaving the Wainstones bar we encountered the rain for the first time. This was the weather front that we all knew would take hours to pass by - but just how bad would it be ?

Great Broughton was certainly wet and windy as we quickly covered the short trek to the Jet Miners where we had a lunch booked.

As we sheltered from the storm, lunch and more beer was enjoyed - Actually, one of the best pubs we have visited for food - the meals were very good, all round.

Waiting for the slow starter to get his waterproofs sorted.

As we headed across the countryside from Great Broughton to Stokesley, the wind really whipped up and the rain blasted us with no cover at all. It was certainly a far cry from the usual strolls in warm sunshine. Even though the weather was atrocious at this point, it was so bad it was actually quite fun !

Not that many photos taken today as the camera stayed zipped up and dry for long periods - But here is the soggy view in the direction of Stokesley. The photo doesn't capture the rainfall that was present unfortunately.

The simplest of obstacles were tricky in these conditions

Easy does it !

The occasional running repair along the way.

Maybe a slight reprieve in the Cringle Moor Copse

Despite the conditions, there was still time for a bit of 'horseplay'.

The winning ceremony.

After all the fun and games, we arrive in the sanctuary of Stokesley

Crossing the River Leven as we head to the high street for visits to the Green Man and The White Swan.

But before we get there, time to stock up on some of life's essentials. Paul's reluctance to carry cash always seems to land him in trouble one way or another.

After Stokesley, we headed for the open countryside again in the direction of Great Ayton.

As we walk along the very lengthy towpath towards Great Ayton - The two great landmarks of Roseberry Topping and Captain Cooks Monument stand proud on the horizon ahead of us.

Nearly missed this!

The path passes a caravan site on the outskirts of Great Ayton.

Our advance party had already arrived in 'The Tannery' - an excellent Craft & Real Ale Bar at the far side of Great Ayton, the rest of the group wandered in after completing the days walking slightly later. Time for good conversation and more beers - A minibus back to The Smog and then home, a great day out even considering the inclement weather we all had to endure. Where will our travels take us to next time I wonder? Hopefully somewhere a bit drier.