Day 3/3 Cleveland Way (section of the Way) 43.5km - Saltburn by-the-sea to Runswick Bay - 23 Dec 2009
>> Friday, 25 December 2009
A heavy Full English breakfast, followed by playing with the owner's adorable pet dog, and the showcase of the cellar and her vast collection of antiques: started off my morning before I embarked on the longest day of my walk.
The fear of slipping and falling began the moment I stepped out of the B&B. It was just impossible to walk with a peace of mind. I found my steps very carefully down the steep slopes, crossed the river and passed alongside the Ship Inn. The unappealing and daunting steep steps/ slope came, and I chose to neglect the icy steps totally and scrambled up the grassy (with broken pieces of ice) slope instead. I had to admit it nearly killed me, especially when I had not warmed up and had to ascend to a height of nearly 80m at one go.
Beyond Hunt Cliff, the route followed the line of the mineral railway serving the Boulby Potash Mine as it ran along the cliff edge. As before, I'd fantastic photographs from the sunny and freezing weather. The Way then descended to Skinningrove - a remarkable industrial scar on an otherwise delightful coastline. The path entered the village along the ICY sands, passed through a tunnel under the jetty and skirted an housing estate to cross the stream via an ICY bridge. It was a nightmare!
Hiaz..and once again a steep climb led up out of the valley to gain the cliff tops and the industrial scenery was quickly left behind. After about half a mile, the long gradual climb began, all the way up to the top of Boulby - the HIGHEST CLIFF IN ENGLAND! The path then descended to the small village of Boulby with its modern Potash mine.
From Boulby, a path led through fields to a minor ICY road and followed all the way down (I mean DOWN!) to Staithes - one of the most picturesque old fishing villages on the east coast. I immediately knew what was coming next - a SUPER steep ICY climb leaving Staithes. It led me to a very SMELLY farm (coz of...oink oink) before continuing across fields to the cliff tops once again. My legs had started aching...exhausted from the non-stop ascents and descents.
The path met the end of road in Port Mulgrave and after another STEEP 'up and down' at Rosedale Cliffs, I arrived at Runswick Bay! Yeah! The bus to Whitby was approximately 25min late and I had to wait in the cold, shivering. Once at Whitby, bought some groceries before climbing up the famous '199 steps' to YHA which was located at a very isolated part of the town beside the Abbey. It was almost dark by then and it was not a very pleasant walk up the ICY stairway and passing through the graveyard. Eek..but no choice then! I needed lots of rest tonight from the streneous walk. I was delightful that I had the 4-bed room to myself with an ensuite bathroom and a wonderful window view. Beautiful white Xmas this year, and what a remarkable way (by hiking) to welcome this year's Xmas. Silent night....holy night...sweet dreams...
