Wainwright's Coast to Coast - Day 12

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Wednesday 23 September, 2015

Danby Wiske to Ingleby Cross - 16.5 kms

                                                     4 hours walking

Sunny skies greeted us as we departed Danby Wiske, at about 8.30. It was to be a short day of more easy rural walking. We were able to relax and plod along, taking time to chat to farmers and other walkers. Birds called from the hedgerows and cows looked at us inquisitively.

Initially there was road walking, before we headed across the fields again. 

Ploughed fields, hay making and 'loose cows' were to be our companions for the day.

A narrow opening in the hedge to pass from one field to the next.

Much laughter, when we discovered this sign, at the base of a stile we had just climbed over.

Gail is wondering where 'the loose cows' are. Perhaps in the distance behind her.

We lost count of how many bales of hay in this collection.

This 78 year old Yorkshire farmer, stopped and chatted with us for a good 20 minutes. We think he told us that he gets up at 5 am to check on 'the loose cows' we had passed. He had such a strong accent, it was difficult to pick up what he was saying. Ten minutes later, we were walking through his farmyard and saw him tossing hay to the animals in the barn.

A second field of his 'loose cows'.

The farm buildings.

Busy at work.

As we continued on, I heard him shouting to me that I had better get a move on or I would be left behind. Imagine now, how it sounded, in his thick accent. 

We chatted over the barbed wire fence, to the farmer's wife checking on her day old calves.

Can't be too many work place, health and safety regulations in England. Here our route took us across a busy, double railway route.

A train flashed passed, not long after our crossing.

The Cleveland Hills are not too far away now. Our accommodation was at their base.

These energetic cows kept us company along the length of their field.

Not far from Ingleby Cross, we had to dash across the A19. Thankfully the traffic wasn't too heavy and there was a central island to pause on, before the final run.

                         Spot Gail waiting.

Winner of the most charming farmyard award.

We thought we had arrived in Ingleby Cross and went looking for somewhere to eat. Ingleby Cross however, was at the bottom of the hill. We happily wandered the quiet streets of Ingleby Arncliffe, before descending to our village..

My lady bug was thrilled we had made a mistake, when she found some English friends.

It was 1 o'clock when we arrived at the 'Blue Bell Pub' in Ingleby Cross. No food was available, but we were able to refresh ourselves with a pint. Our bed for the night was at Park House, another 3 kms on, but as we couldn't check in until 4pm, we were very grateful that the barman allowed us to remain  in his bars cosy warmth, until well after closing time. Pubs close at 2pm. The afternoon had become cloudy and chilly, so sitting in the village green, would have been most uncomfortable.

Georgian, Arncliffe Hall - 1754

Delicious flapjacks for sale by an honours system. It turned out that their baker was also our waitress at dinner. She was the sister of our hostess.

Winner of the BEST accommodation ward for our C2C route.

         Chamfers on arrival!

   Comfort plus bedrooms.

           Scenic rural views.

Rooms for our Brisgang mates, who had just completed the 35.5 k's and were still able to laugh!

Big screen TV to watch Australia's first World Cup, Rugby match. We won!

Delicious 3 course dinner served at the long table.

Roast chicken, yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, glazed carrots and beans, cauliflower au gratin.

Scrumptious Eton's Mess for dessert.

Thank you Bev and Mike Robins, for your exceptionally warm and friendly welcome, that made this evening one of the highlights of our walk.

Danby Wiske

The elevation chart shows a distance of 22 miles [35.5 kms], but that is the distance from Richmond to Ingleby Cross, for the hikers doing it in one day. You can however, see how flat the terrain was for this enjoyable day's walking.

Two leisurely days, so hopefully we are now ready for the steep climb and challenges of the North Yorkshire Moors. So glad you are still along for the hike. I would love to read your comment.