C2C Day 10 - Osmotherley to Blakey Ridge

Thursday 11th August 2011

C2C Day 10 - Osmotherley to Blakey Ridge

I don't mind admitting, that for me was the hardest day of the entire Coast to Coast walk. There were some climbs along the 20 or so miles, and nearly 4000ft of ascent, but I think the weather really had an impact. It was pretty awful, weather wise.

This area is reasonably familiar territory for us - it within easy reach of our homes and many a summer evening is spent walking different parts of the Cleveland Way, often around the Osmotherley area. We visited many well known places such as The Wainstones, Hasty Bank & Clay Bank before heading out into the moors via the old Bloworth Crossing. After that it is pretty flat going across the moorland following old railway line across Farndale and High Blakey Moors.

The moorland oasis is reached in the form of the Lion Inn at Blakey. Bleak and isolated, it's a hive of activity and the atmosphere on the evening is excellent. With a great history, choice of real ales, good food and loads of walkers - you can't fail to have a good time here, its a must - and always the first place I book up.

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Distance: 20.5 miles

Duration: 8:15 hours

Ascent: 3652 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Accompanied By: Paul

Weather: Heavy Rain and Overcast

3D outline of route

Parking

Setting off from Osmotherley - Weather looking grim !

Heading out onto Scarth Wood Moor

As the cloud and rain roll in over the bleak moorland

Fording the mighty Scugdale Beck

Although easier options did exist........

Just the same on Live Moor

Quiet and still at the Wainstones

At the top of Hasty Bank, the Wain Stones are a familiar landmark for Teesside folk.

Now we had made a big mistake today, knowing that there was a nice café at the Lord Stones on this leg, we decided to get lunch there rather than buy our sandwiches etc. in Osmotherley or from the B&B. However, upon arrival at said 'Lord Stones' we were greeted with a sign saying - 'Closed' due to owners being on Honeymoon' !! - How selfish can you be ! Anyway, we stood in the pouring rain muttering "What are we going to do now" over and over again. The answer was soon found - I'll phone my parents and see if they will meet us at Clay Bank with some sandwiches. Fortunately, they were able to take pity on us and we estimated an arrival time.

Emergency Rescue (Mum & Dad) turn up at Clay Bank with hot Soup, sandwiches and dry towels !! They really did save us as this stretch of the walk is pretty remote with long detours needed for any pubs or shops. Refreshed and slightly drier we set off across the moors.

Grouse on the moor - Keep your head down fella, gets a bit dangerous round these parts very soon.

Now I don't mind admitting - this was the most 'knackered' I have ever been on a walk up till now. That was a tough one !

Brian joined us for the rest of the walk at The Lion and even though we were tired, we had a great night in the bar.