Tuesday 22 September, 2015
Richmond to Danby Wiske - 24.5 kms
8.5 hours walking
The morning dawned crisp with sunny, blue skies. We were eager to depart, to enjoy a day of relatively flat walking. We were entering the Vale of Mowbray, an area almost entirely agricultural. During the day we would be at our lowest elevation since leaving St Bees.
Our host guided us on our way suggesting a route that avoided the busy A6136.
We passed St Mary's Church.
We looked back to admire the castle.
The disused railway station is now a craft and heritage centre.
Leaving the station we followed the trail of the old railway line.
Next we had to navigate around a sewage works, but our reward was to then walk beside the Swale River. In the early morning light, she appeared in a delightful mood.
We tramped though forest and emerged at a kissing gate, passing through just before the arrival of a platoon of soldiers, out on exercise.
Now we were back in farming land. Hay making at this time of year is high on the agenda of the farmers.
Readying the harvested fields for replanting is another big undertaking. I am amazed and grateful that we have permission to walk across these fields.
Mid morning, we again had a view of the distant Cleveland Hills.
It was day to relax and fully enjoy the countryside.
Between Brompton-on-Swale and Catterick Bridge, we thought we had to cross the busy A1, by dashing across at the safest moment. Thankfully, this occurred at the A19, a day later.
This is Catterick bridge over the River Swale, at Catterick Bridge, where we avoided the A1 road crossing.
At round about midday, we were having difficulty matching the route on the map to what we could see. We chose to walk down this pretty laneway, hopeful that it was the correct choice. It wasn't, but the story has a happy ending, as we found ourselves in the village of Scorton, where the local Ladies Guild run a coffee shop with a menu of delicious, home baked cakes and slices. It brought back memories of my childhood and my Mother cooking for the local dance or tennis match. Of course we had to give them our support.
We got back on track and delighted in walking through the pretty village of Bolton-on-Swale.
Village pump.
14th century St Mary's church.
Back out onto the countryside and the sky was trying to impress us with her moods.
It was almost 4 pm when we arrived in the tiny village of Danby Wiske. We celebrated with the many hikers, who had arrived before us. Then went looking for our B&B.
60 miles / 96 kilometres to go!
Many hikers complain that this day is tedious and boring. Some extend it to Ingleby Cross, adding another 16 kms to get it out of the way. UGH!
A quote I found, ' The low lying-land, barley fields, quiet farms, and rural scenery of the vale, are a valuable, diet balancing, ingredient of the Coast to Coast and should not be gobbled indecently.
It was so different to Oz, that I was full of wonder and happiness all day.
Richmond
Such a lovely, sunny day and the body enjoyed not being pushed for a change. I hope you enjoyed coming along. I would love to read your comment.
I am always in favour of supporting the locals! This day's scenery is incredible. I think those hikers who complained have not learned to "remember to breathe".
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how "different you must find it". More wonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I was just thinking how varied the scenery was when I read your comment at the end.
ReplyDeleteI thought those farmlands were quite scenic. That village and bakery were a great find!
ReplyDelete