Cleveland Way Day 5 - Saltburn to Runswick Bay

A two car jaunt for us today again - I left mine at Saltburn and Davy had his parked up waiting for us at Runswick Bay.

A familiar site for us as we head down to the Saltburn-on-Sea seafront.

Only 51 miles to go as we start along the coast for the first time on this long distance walk.

The Ship - It's supposed to be a good pub but I've never actually been in it. Our first climb of the day starts just after the pub itself.

Well, if you didn't already know where you are - you do now.

Sporting our new tops today !

The stiff climb comes to the end as we head along the top, stopping ever so often to admire the coastal views.

We noted the amount of samaritan references and poems dotted along this stretch of the walk. Our minds turned to the poor souls who we assume must end it all from these cliff tops.

More sad references at the site of a 4th century Roman signal station (Huntcliffe).

This little fella popped out to greet us - A Field Vole I believe.

Mysterious goings on at Warsett Hill ?

This is where we head down to the beach at Skinningrove - Scene of mass crab deaths recently. We assume it must have been caused by the deep dredging of the Tees, but apparently there's no evidence to prove it ! Teesside industries deposited all sorts of nasties into the Tees over the last 50 years, surely those long lived chemicals safely encapsulated within the sediment were the cause when they were re-suspended and transported down river and into the sea. Will we ever know ? The Tees is now very clean, as the remaining industries have really cleaned up their act, but the legacy from previous tenants remains.

Having just had a chap who was out catching lobsters in the rocks and discussing the previously documented issue, we struggle through the soft dunes - which briefly reminded us of the Cornish coast and the amazing beach walking there across miles of beautiful golden sun kissed sands - Skinningrove fell a long way short of those spots. Recommendation - Head for the damp sand, longer routes but much easier walking.

Looking back at Skinningrove.

Enjoying the fresh sea air, we looked over the edge from time to time - Again spotting a carved poem from someone to his beloved wife who had sadly been lost to him. Quite moving and impressive at the same time as he must have scaled the cliff to chip away at the soft sedimental rock face - We struggled to work out if he had heaved himself up the rope or, what seemed easier, just clambered down from where we stood ? We may never know. You may be able to see the poem on this photo using a PC - but I doubt its visible on a mobile.

Past Hummersea Scar and the start of White Stones.

Boulby Mine territory and it's 50th Anniversary Bench.

Arriving at the very pleasant and picturesque fishing village of Staithes.

Looking inland - and looks like the tide is out. Captain Cook also lived here for a few years, working as an apprentice to the local grocer and haberdasher - probably felt he was destined for greater things.

One last look back at Staithes before we head South along the cliff tops.

Port Mulgrave.

Arriving at the car park at the end of todays walk - we look down at Runswick Bay. That's where we will be headed for when we pick up the trail again in the weeks to come.