Todays walk was leg 3 of the coastal section of the Cleveland Way – Ravenscar to Whitby. It was 13-miles on a day which would turn out to be misty but had nice surprises. We set off from Ravenscar passing the ruins of an old Alum works where we learnt something about its history.
In the distance we could see Robin Hood’s Bay, our first port of call.
View of Robin Hoods Bay
From the high cliffs of Ravenscar we descended down gradually towards Robin Hood’s Bay – an old fishing and smuggling village. We walked along the beach towards the village being wary of the potential risk from slabs of cliff falling off.
Here we stopped for a break and then explored the village. The quaint old cottages were a delight.
Climbing out of Robin Hood Bay we had a good view across the bay even though the mist was chasing us. Doing the walking, and especially the steps, day after day certainly gets you fitter.
Robin Hoods Bay
We passed a model of a rocket tower where people practiced the skill of firing a rocket ( with cable attached) to a ship in distress to enable rescues.
Rocket tower
The walk along the cliff top was good with nice wide footpaths.
And then the mist came in again and visibility dropped.
We passed the light house and then the house where the fog horn was mounted.
Light HouseFog horns on the roofClose to Whitby
Soon, we were passing the ruins of Whitby Abbey in the mist.
By the Abbey we stopped for a coffee in the excellent YHA cafe and then headed down into the town and a steep walk uphill back to our accomodation.
Tomorrows walk from Whitby to Port Mulgrave is looking like it might be a wet one. Fingers crossed that the forecast improves.
Today, Angela and I enjoyed an 8-mile circular walk from Goathland to Grosmont and back. We travelled to Goathland using The North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Firstly we walked a mile from our accomodation to Whitby Station getting a glorious view of Whitby from the road bridge across the River Esk.
Whitby
You can’t beat a steam train trip.
The LocoGoathland Station
It was a nice nostalgic trip, swaying to the motion of the train and listening to the clickety clack of the wheels across the rails. We enjoyed a coffee along the way.
Arriving at Goathland we began our walk, heading off through the village and across the moorland.
The walk to Grosmont station was peaceful with a nice wooded section. No one was around.
Arriving into Grosmont we took a look at a railway bridge over the river Esk that need remedial work.
Gromont Station
After viewing the station we headed off back to Goathland following the Rail Trail along a disused railway line.
Climbing out of Grosmont we enjoyed a great view of the village.
Grosmont
We passed the site of a former Ironworks which was marked with a nice sculpture.
We had a very steep incline to walk up to reach Goathland once again. Goathland was the location for a very popular tv series called Heartbeat which was set in a village called Aidensfield. Some of the shops still display Aidensfield in their name.
Remember this?
I enjoyed a nice ice-cream looking at the sheep that wander around the village keeping the grass low.
Finally, we walked to the station to catch a diesel hauled train back to Whitby. The station was used in a Harry Potter film.
We had enjoyed a splendid day out in the autumn sunshine.
Today, Angela and I enjoyed walking the second leg of the coastal section of the Cleveland Way- Scarborough to Ravenscar.
It was slightly chilly and cloudy as we set off from North Bay, Scarborough.
Colourful beach huts in Scarborough North Bay
I forgot to put a photo of the fantastic sculpture that can be found on the promenade at North Bay, so here it is from yesterday’s walk. Quite big!
At Scalby Mills we had a short climb on to the cliffs. The miniature steam train was blowing its whistle – pity we don’t have time to take a trip. The sign post pointed the way.
There were very few people walking today so I was pleased about that.
Leaving Scarborough
Initially, it was a reasonably flat walk along the cliff tops. It was quite windy though, with the odd splatter of rain. Looking back to Scarborough we could see Scarborough Castle, Filey Brigg and further in the distance Flamborough Head.
Distant views of Scarborough, Filey Brigg and Flamborough Head
The green coast lay ahead – with the woodland of Hayburn Wyke now visible.
Hayburn Wyke ahead
We took a lunch stop at this bench with a view. It was a great spot.
Heyburn Wyke was a challenge – many steps down followed by many steps up. It definitely got the heart rate up.
Vegetation on the undercliff
We had a steady climb upwards towards Ravenscar. The undercliff was contained a lot of vegetation. Further towards Ravenscar we would see the highland cattle that now live here in an attempt by The National Trust to reduce the vegetation. We also saw the remains of an old wartime radar station.
Observation post for old wartime Radar stationInfo board by Radar stationArriving at Ravenscar
A final incline brought us to Ravenscar, known as the town that never was. There are a few houses here and a very nice tea rooms (which we enjoyed). In 1885 the Scarborough to Whitby railway opened, speculators bought the land at Ravenscar (having seen the success of Scarborough and Whitby) and planned a town. Roads were put in and a railway station but the one drawback was that the town would sit on the cliff tops and there would be no beach! Pretty fundamental for a successful seaside resort I would have thought. Basically, the scheme failed. Finally, in 1965 the railway station closed so the area became more isolated. Today, its a walkers/cyclists paradise.
Our walk ended here today. Our next leg would take us from Ravenscar to Whitby. I am looking forward to that – |I am thoroughly enjoying the Cleveland Way.
On this walking journey Angela and I began the first leg of walking the coastal section of the Cleveland Way. Our base would be the seaside town of Whitby.
On our arrival day we walked around the town looking at the sights, seagulls and enjoying chips and coffees. Whitby is a popular town on the east coast of North Yorkshire, England so was busy with people enjoying the sunny day.
It is home to the famous Captain Cook, the black stone called jet (fossilized monkey puzzle tree), a popular venue for Goths and Steam punk weekends. It is also a destination for a famous steam railway – the North York Moors Steam Railway. We will be taking a trip in a couple of days.
A sculpture near the swing bridgeWhitby – boats moored on the river Esk
We walked up the 199 steps leading up to the ruins of the Abbey (famously an inspiration for Bram Stokers novel ‘Dracula’).
The Abbey ruins on the top of the cliffHarbour entranceWhitby Abbey ruinsMonument for Captain Cook
The following morning we began our walk from Filey Brigg. It was busy with people – its a popular spot. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful autumnal day. It would only be a 10-mile walk today.
It wasn’t long before we reached Cayton Bay. Walking along the cliff tops we had lovely views.
Cayton Bay
The sea was calm with little wind. Seagulls soared in the sky calling out. We enjoyed a sandwich with a view. It didn’t seem long before we could see Scarborough in the distance.
Scarborough in the distance
It was definitely a shock to the senses when we arrived into South Bay, Scarborough- it was a typical busy seaside resort.
We walked along the promenade then followed the trail onto the headland where we caught our first view of North Bay.
North Bay, Scarborough
North Bay is a complete contrast to its sister bay, much quieter. We strolled along to the bars/cafes and declared that it was the end of todays walk. A refreshing pint of orange juice and lemonade was very welcome.
Our walk will continue with a walk from our finish today to Ravenscar.
Today, Amigo Mick and I explored some more of footpaths of Nottinghamshire, enjoying a 9-mile circular walk from the quiet village of Halam to Farnsfield and back.
Our route
It was an undulating walk along good tracks/footpaths that incorporated sections of the Robin Hood Way. We met very little traffic along the route which we appreciated.
Parking in Halam was easy with plenty of places to park. The temperature was 12 Deg C as we set off on a lovely sunny morning. There was a cool breeze blowing.
Autumnal morning
It wasn’t long before we were heading uphill.
The good thing about going up is that views are probable, and indeed, they were.
We walked down a sunken lane (Robs Lane) which is an ancient packhorse track that might date back to Norman times.
Mick heading down the packhorse track
Going along the lane I observed the exposed roots of one of the trees that lined the lane, they reminded me of a Octopus 😊
We were on the Robin Hood Way and passed a plaque that denoted the half-way point on the route that runs 105 miles from Nottingham Castle to Edwinstowe church.
The distinctive way markers were on the posts along the path.
Passing by Combs Wood we then followed paths towards Farnsfield. A very large marquee was in one of the fields and we wondered why – soon we saw the signs for the Southwell Ploughing Match & Show which is being held here on the 26th Sept. https://www.southwellploughingmatch.co.uk/
A large wind turbine stood stationary on a hill – was it too windy? surely not.
As we neared Farnsfield we saw signs for the Halifax Bomber Memorial, so took a detour to visit. It was an exceedingly well maintained memorial area on the site where a Halifax Bomber crashed on 6th July 1944 sadly killing all crew members. It was returning to its base near Selby after completing its second mission of the day bombing the V1 rocket launch site at Croix-Dalle in France.
I noticed that the memorial is on the Halam village sign entering the village. We took a break here using one of the benches. Continuing on we arrived into Farnsfield briefly before heading out of the village again. We were enjoying the sunshine and the views.
On the way into Halam we passed three vintage tractors proudly displayed in a front garden.
After a short stroll through the lovely village we passed a nice cobbled street before arriving back at the car.
It had been a very nice walk and once again we had explored new territory.
Today, Amigo Mick and I enjoyed an 8-mile circular walk from the hamlet of Cotes (near Loughborough). We would pass through Hoton, Prestwold, Burton-on-the-Wolds before arriving back in Cotes.
We were both eagerly anticipating the walk in what would be new area for us. Although the temperature has dropped it didn’t take too long before the sun had warmed the air.
After parking in Back Lane, we set off along a road which was quite busy with morning commuter traffic. Soon we were heading along tracks and fields enjoying nice distant views. A friendly farmer, tilling his field in a tractor, gave us a wave.
We passed a field where the stubble was nicely patterned. Its funny the things that catch your eye.
Patterned field
In the distance we passed the Stanford Hall Estate which contains the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre – a plane inbound to East Midlands Airport passed over the large building as I took my photo.
Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre
We arrived into Hoton, passing the attractive Packe Arms Pub, then down a lane with some nice white terraced cottages.
Continuing on we passed through a short wooded section to reach St Andrews church in Prestwold. Here we took a break taking advantage of a bench in the churchyard.
St Andrews Church, Prestwold
After our stop it was a very short walk into the Prestwold Hall parkland. The grand house soon became visible.
We were passing the rear of the hall so I found a photo online that gives a better idea of the size of the hall.
Prestwold Hall
We passed through the open parkland and immediately after leaving, and heading for Burton-on-the-Wolds, we skirted a building site with a large drainage pond! It was most unexpected. Such a contrast to the stately majesty of Prestwold park.
The village contained an impressive wooden owl sculpture that caught our attention.
Leaving the village we entered fields once again, passing some very curious cows in an adjacent field.
Curious CowsOpen views
Another surprise on the walk was passing Prestwold Natural Burial Ground – we noticed that it had quite a lot benches around the circumference.
A couple of horse riders stopped for a chat and before long we were walking into Cotes. It had been an enjoyable little walk.
Today, Angela and I enjoyed a 6.7-mile circular walk from the Lincolnshire village of Donington.
I had found the walk in a book by Hugh Marrows titled ‘Walks for all seasons- 20 circular walks in Lincolnshire’. We parked in the market square which was convenient to view the statue commemorating Matthew Flinders, perhaps the most famous son of Donington.
Matthew Flinders and his cat ‘Trim’
Flinders joined the Navy aged 16, sailing with the infamous Captain Bligh to Tahiti. Then, in 1795 came his first voyage to Australia. Teaming up with another Lincolnshire chap named Bass, he circumnavigated Van Diemens Land, now called Tasmania. On subsequent voyages he circumnavigated and charted the whole coast of Australia- the first person to do so. It is said that he was the first to propose calling the continent Australia rather than the previous name Terra Australis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Flinders
Flinders is buried in the church of St Mary and the Holy Rood in Donington.
As someone who is fond of cats, I was interested in learning more about Flinders cat ‘Trim’. Born on the ship HMS Reliant, Trim fell overboard as a kitten but managed to swim back to the boat and climb a rope to get back onboard – he became a firm favourite with the crew and Flinders. He sailed with Flinders on a number of ships and even accompanied him into captivity when he was imprisoned by the French. Trim mysteriously disappeared while in the prison. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trim_(cat)
Plaque dedicated to Trim at Mitchell Library, Sydney
Leaving the market square we set off on a sunny, blue sky morning towards the church.
The Church of St Mary and the Holy Rood
The Moon was visible in the cloudless blue sky. We admired the design of the spire on the tower. After passing through the Church grounds we found ourselves on an unpleasant walk along a pavement beside the busy A52. We were glad to leave that noisy highway and head across tracks through fields of vegetables.
Winter vegetables
Further along we passed by people harvesting the vegetables – a back breaking job.
We took a slight detour to view the memorial for the six crew of a Lancaster bomber who perished when it crashed in 1944.
The information plaque had photos of the crew – I’ve not seen that before.
Continuing on we saw fields containing a vast variety of vegetables, including Pumpkins (for Halloween I guess) but the most striking field was one of cabbages – the photo does not do it justice.
Picturesque cabbages
Walking across the open land was very pleasant with a cooling wind taking away the heat of the sun. The land is covered in drainage ditches and we passed several on our journey. Some were better maintained than others!
Soon, we were walking through new housing developments and the nice park. We looked out for a coffee shop on arriving into the village, but most shops seemed closed for the day. Instead, we headed home to enjoy a nice coffee there.
On todays walk the Three Amigos enjoyed an 8-mile jaunt around some lovely English countryside. Our circular walk began in Ab Kettleby which is located 3-miles north of Melton Mowbray. The route (which I found on The Ramblers website – thank you Ramblers) took us to Saxelbye, Grimston and Wartnaby before returning to Ab Kettleby.
Ironstone was quarried in the area previously and the honey coloured rock was a feature of Ab Kettleby’s buildings. St James Church looked very attractive as we set off through the church yard into open fields.
St James Church, Ab Kettleby
Overnight we had some rain which was very welcome after months without and drought conditions. Passing through some allotments we saw some very attractive hens who seemed to be enjoying life.
A recurring feature of this off- the- beaten -track walk would be crossing numerous wooden stiles (some in poor condition) which were often surrounded by thorny vegetation and crossing recently ploughed fields – yes, its that time of year again. However, big views and no people were a plus.
I almost forgot, the ploughed fields had manure added to them, so crossing them meant our nostrils getting assailed by a very pungent smell indeed!
Chris traversing a field
It is quite amazing how walking across ploughed fields saps your strength. By the end of the walk we were all feeling it in our leg muscles.
We arrived into Saxelby and found the building that was formerly Websters Dairy which, before it closed in 2020 (due to the chaos of the COVID pandemic), produced fine quality blue stilton cheese. Cheese had been produced here for 150 years. Such a shame.
The former Websters Dairy
Further down the lane we passed under an ornate railway bridge. This section of line is used for testing new trains.
Just around the corner we found a bus shelter and stopped for a break- the rule is, if you see an opportunity take it. Refreshed, we continued on soon arriving into the attractive village of Grimston, near the village green, although it was not looking green today.
Village green, Grimston
We spotted a set of stocks on the green so had to investigate. Used as a form of public punishment in medieval times, offenders were locked in by their ankles for hours or days. They were subject to jeers and sometimes pelted with rotten food. The two prisoners at the stocks today seemed harmless enough though!
The stocks in Grimston
Leaving Grimston we passed through the church yard of St Peter.
13th century church of St Peter in Grimston
We were now on our way to Wartnaby passing through rolling fields and ploughed fields. It was wonderful.
As we passed through Wartnaby I was struck by how attractive the church bell tower looked on St Michaels Church.
St Michaels church, Wartnaby
It wasn’t far from Wartnaby to Ab Kettleby so before long we were arriving back at our cars.
Today, Angela and I enjoyed a 9-mile circular walk from the interesting and popular Lincolnshire village of Woodhall Spa. The village became famous quite by chance when, in 1811, an Industrialist sunk a 1000 ft hole in search of coal. He found a spring, which made mining unviable, and he abandoned the venture. Some years later, in 1834 a chap named Thomas Hotchkin had the water analysed and discovered that it was rich in Bromine and Iodine, ideal for spa water. In Victorian times spa baths were very popular, so, he built a hotel and baths and the village thus became a popular destination. The arrival of the railways increased its accessibility and popularity.
Hotels and guest houses designed by a man called Richard Adolphus Came ensured the village would have nicely designed properties along wide, tree lined roads – just how it remains today.
Arriving into the village we passed a nice village sign, one of four different ones around the village. Definitely, a nod to its history.
The weather has cooled following the recent heatwaves so we were looking forward to the walk. We arrived early, parking in the car park adjacent to the war memorial. The village has a close tie with the RAF having had an airfield nearby during World War 2, with many of its personnel stationed in hotels etc within the village. We paused by the memorial for those who died from 617 squadron (the famous dambusters) and then walked through the village.
Memorial for 617 squadron
People out early on a Sunday morning greeted us with a ‘good morning’ as we made our way to grab a coffee. Angela commented – ‘what friendly people’.
Typical shop
We passed a fabulous wall painting on the side of a shop.
As we continued we passed a nice property so I took a photo.
We passed a sign for a tea shop which was very apt for Angela (she likes cake!).
Much of our walk would be through woodland where the affect of the drought could be seen on the trees. It was peaceful in the woods.
Stixwould wood
We were headed towards the village of Stixwould crossing parched fields now.
Parched land
Arriving into to Stixwould we admired the church of St Peter.
St Peters church, Stixwould
Further along the road we found the village hall, previously the village school.
Stixwould village hall
The blue plaque near the door commemorates one of the founder members of the SAS who was born in Stixwould.
Continuing onwards we followed the Viking Way and passed over a bridge on the former railway line through Stixwould and Woodhall Spa – now well overgrown.
Former railway line
A drainage drain was a vibrant green with algae.
As we neared Woodhall Spa we encountered more people out running, cycling and walking. We passed the famous Petwood Hotel and Jubilee park before arriving into the centre of the village. It had been Angela’s first visit to Woodhall Spa and she had enjoyed it.
I popped into the excellent book shop called ‘The Book Fayre’ and came out with three new books to read.
Today, the Three Amigos met at 07:30 at Hickling Basin and enjoyed an 8-mile circular walk from Hickling to Hose.
Hickling basin lies on the Grantham Canal and all was quiet when we arrived. It is a very popular spot with the cafe and nearby pub.
The Wharf Cafe
We took a walk through the village admiring the nice houses. The village hall looked good. Formerly, it had been the village school. We read some memorial plaques for villagers who had lost their lives in the World Wars. It is good to remember their sacrifice.
Hickling Village Hall
As we left the village and headed for the fields we passed a couple of chairs in a garden and I felt sure that Chris was minded to take a break there! I must say the chairs did look inviting.
Our route took us across a couple of fields of mixed origins. The sunflowers looked like they were struggling with the extraordinary hot/dry summer.
We continued across several fields and the going was much easier than the last time I had done the walk, when it was extremely wet and muddy. After a slight detour, due to the footpath being overgrown with vegetation, we arrived into Hose and took a break on a bench close to the church of St Michael and All Angels.
I enjoyed a cold drink and a scotch egg before setting off through the village. Blacksmithing is clearly an important part of the village and we found two references to it.
The temperature was rising as we left the village and followed a road to bring us to the Grantham Canal. Sadly, the canal is looking quite sad in this section.
Grantham Canal -dry and overgrown with weed
However, it does have a good towpath and is away from traffic, so is a lovely tranquil place to walk. I must say that I was shocked by the loss of water from the canal – the lack of rain is having consequences, and you do wonder if sufficient rain will fall over the autumn and winter to refill canal, rivers and reservoirs.
Dry Grantham canal close to Hose
We came across a hut (The hut by the cut) with benches to rest on that was selling drinks, cakes, jams and chutney operating in an honesty box manner. This was not here when I last walked this path. It was good to see.
After a short path diversion we passed by three relatively new swing bridges.
Swing Bridge
A nice brick bridge (Clarks Bridge) came into view and we passed under it – it looked like the underneath had recently been rendered.
Markers along the way told us the distance we were along the canal from the river Trent – the original start point for the canal.
Close to Hickling we passed a restored Lengthsman hut – originally used as a shelter for a Lengthsman whose job it was to maintain a section of the canal.
The canal close to Hickling was also dry.
Arriving back at Hickling basin the area was very busy, even the Swans and Ducks were up now.
A busy Hickling Basin
The water in the basin is a few feet below normal levels. We noted that someone had kindly put a wooden ramp in place as the water level is so far below the brick ramp normally used by wildlife to enter the water.
Cygnets above the temporary wooden access ramp into the water
