Coast to coast part 2: Day 1 Grassington to Middlemoor

Exactly one year ago, six of us started a walk from St Bees on the West coast of England to Robin Hood's Bay on the East coast, a distance of 192 miles(here). For a variety of reasons three of us could only complete half the walk. These next few posts follow us as we aim to complete  our walk across England. Head hiker, Paul, on the far right of the photo, planned a slightly different route so that Tina, Steve and himself would not have to repeat last year's route. Last night we met up at a hotel near Kirby Malham and spent the evening recounting stories from last year's walk. It was a cold and wet night so not a good omen for the following day.

Although we had to scrape the ice off the cars, the sky was cloudless  so once we had parked the cars, put our boots on, we boarded the minibus that took us to the start of our walk in Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales. Luckily there was a shop in the village to stock up on sandwiches for today's 12 mile walk otherwise I would have to share the jam sandwich I made at the hotel this morning!

Stocked up we were ready to get going. Easing us in gently, Paul had planned that today would be the shortest distance to be covered this week. We all felt a sense of trepidation when we set off. I don't think any of us felt as fit and prepared as we were last year.

As always seems to be the case, it started with an incline on the road leaving the village but it wasn't long before we were  striding out over Grassington Moor

There were lots of lapwings displaying their acrobatic skills -  too fast for my camera unfortunately.

Remains of lead mines which were a prominent feature in this area. Lead was mined here from 1604 to 1880.

The first of many stiles we would have to climb over.

The streams of water criss crossing the moor looked like blue ribbons strewn across the landscape.

There was lots of evidence of grouse hunting.

This is a shooting lodge where the hunters gather.

Dotted around the moor was a variety of grouse butts where the hunters can hide from the birds. Luckily for us the season doesn't start until the 12th August. We did see many red grouse flying around and squawking at us for disturbing them.

The moors are bleak and without a map and compass it would be easy to get completely lost. I am sure this shelter would have been used many times as protection against the cold. It made a good wind break for us as we sat beside it for a lunch break.

It was quite boggy in places so it was better to hang back and see how deep the water was before I attempted to cross.

This lapwing's nest was right on the path!

Steve giving s demonstration of his stile skills.

I think Tina was much more athletic in her approach.

Coming down off the moorland the fields were full of the newborn lambs.

We couldn't work out why this shelter was here next to the stream.

Followed the stream out of the valley to our resting place for the night in Middlemoor.

 It was mid afternoon when we arrived so after a rest I went out to have a look around the village which consisted of the pub/hotel, church and a few houses. I was surprised to find that this is where the road ends!


St Chad's church has a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.

Inside the church is this hammerhead preaching cross dating back to the 7th cent.

The hotel was very welcoming and had an extensive menu. So we all enjoyed a hearty meal before retiring for the night. This was the view from my bedroom window.