Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey

The medieval market town of Helmsley - A great place to start and finish overlooked by its own twelfth century castle

After parking up and having a quick wander around the town and its pastry shops - we head for the start of todays walk.

The walk from Helmsley to Rievaulx forms the first part of the Cleveland Way National Trail and is well signposted and waymarked.

The last time I took Calum out on a walk he ended up having a few stitches in his knee after a trip and fall - no such drama's today I hope.

The path skirts around Duncombe Park and occasionally has a few minor ups and downs

As we approach one of the outbuilding associated with the old Griff village we are surprised to see that the usual path is temporarily blocked to allow for 'tree felling'. A temporary diversion is in place which runs parallel to the main Cleveland Way path and then re-joins it a bit further up.

Bluebells starting to appear

As we reach the country lane leading to Rievaulx and it's Abbey - Calum advises me that he 'may' have a blister on his little toe ! A quick look reveals a red toe with no skin ! a small sharp splinter was in his boot and it had quickly made a mess of his little pinky. Here we go again !

The bridge over the River Rye - Isn't that a movie ?

Soon to return back to the States - Calum's girlfriend Shar finally gets to go on a walk in the English countryside.

Time for a picnic and the end of the walk for Calum & Shar

Not according to plan, I continue on the intended route on my own leaving the young ones to enjoy Rievaulx and it's stunning Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey. This is certainly worth a visit - 900 years ago there were 140 monks here and the whole surrounding community was there to provide their needs. The striking ruins of its main buildings are a tourist attraction, owned and maintained by English Heritage. Nice cafe too.

I chose not to visit today - I now had to bring the car back for the walking wounded.

Am I back in the Cotswolds ?

All Saints Church - Rievaulx

There's a choice as you leave Rievaulx and head up the bank - you can take the road, its a steady climb or you can head up on the path which runs more or less parallel to the road, slightly steeper in places but way better in my opinion. You end up at the same point, so the ascent is the same.

A bail out point if anyone wants one !

You can walk along the grass verge on the left of the wall (next to the busy B1257) - but the clever people walk alongside the crops on the right - there's plenty of space and there's no harm done.

Heading on the footpath towards Griff Farm - still farming sheep long after the monks have gone

I re-join the Cleveland Way and soon Helmsley is in sight. Now to go back and pick up the young fit ones.

Two Ice Creams, Two Hot Chocolates, One blister and One Dad going to get the car ! Hurry up ! there's only so much you can do at an Abbey !