Day 1/3 Cleveland Way (section of the Way) 43.5km - Kildale to Slapewath - 21 Dec 2009

Anxiety over the snow conditions of the terrain plus the unfamiliarity of the North York Moors were causing insomnia the whole night before. I managed to steal less than 3 hours of sleep eventually. Hiaz...nothing new...

The morning trains from Newcastle to Darlington and then to Middlesbrough were smooth-sailing, until when the Middlesbrough train arrived late, causing me to miss the connecting train to Kildale. Surprisingly calm, I approached the information desk and was delighted that the staff understood my situation and booked a cab for me - paid by TransPennine. Oh..really? Wow! However I waited in the freezing morning for an hour before the cab finally arrived.

As the cab drove on and approached the more remote areas, fear welled up inside me (and the driver) as we prayed silently that the vehicle would be able to overcome the challenging icy/ snowy undulating roads which could go up to an angle of 25 deg! He engaged low gear throughout and the whole journey took a whole hour!

I finally (phew!), yes, FINALLY, arrived at Kildale - a dead village or rather a peaceful village covered in thick snow. I followed the Cleveland Way on a minor road, passing under the railway and climbing steeply past Bankside Farm. It was freezing then (about 0 deg on my thermometer) and I was panting heavily from the streneous climb which was made more challenging by the thick snow. My stamina had definitely gone down and it's time I start to work out again!




















At the top of the hill, the Way turned along a forest track, through beautiful snow-covered woodland, and finally emerged on top of Easby Moor near to Captain Cook's Monument. The weather was perfect then - SUNNY though freezing. Got great photos. :) Snow went up to nearly my knee height too!





























The Way continued on, following a short steep climb up to the top of Great Ayton Moor. Tiring...pant pant pant! I finally approached the highlight of today's walk - the prominent isolated hill of Roseberry Topping. What an interesting name, obviously it has gotten its name from its look. I was reluctant to climb up to its summit, and I eventually gave up the climb as the wind conditions were adverse as I approached the open hill. Stupid excuse...truth: "I was just too lazy!"






























I carried on the Way passing Highcliffe Farm and Woods. This section's walk was lengthy and not as easy due to the icy track. As I proceeded, the ice creaked under my boots and it felt as if it was going to give way. Scary... A short but steep climb took me up to the top of High Cliff Nab where I met 2 male walkers. They were the first walkers I had met so far, and it didn't surprise me to find so few people walking in this climate. The breathtaking bird's eye view of the large market town - Guisborough - appeared before me. Too astonishing, considering the pattern the houses were built as well as the WHITE town.



























Finally the long walk through Guisborough Moor, passing a quarry, took me to my destination - Slapewath. The weather had changed halfway and started snowing. Beautiful! I arrived at the hotel - Fox and Hounds, and was given a very large and luxurious room: ensuite, double bed, french tub, TV, sofa, ... Okok, it's time to wash up and quickly start my revision. That's the aim of this hike, isn't it?