Day 5 :Hawnby to Hutton-Le-Hole

We met the owner who was serving breakfast this morning. It was a very good breakfast but we didn't feel the owner went out of her way to make us feel welcome. We asked if it was possible to have packed lunches. We did try and order them the previous evening but as the owner was not available no-one else seemed able to help! Reluctantly she said the chef would probably be able to do this but only when he had finished all the breakfasts. I have to add that staying in these places is not cheap nor are the packed lunches we need to purchase. In hindsight we should have saved our money as the selection we asked for ended up the same as the previous day which was roast beef but this time instead of being plastered in butter they were smothered with horse radish sauce!  Still we're all still smiling(limping but smiling) as we set off on day 5 of this walk across England.

Weather was overcast as we set off with the boys leading the way. Easy to find the right way out of the village. Came in on one road and left by the other road.

The wire fences in the Yorkshire National Parks all have the same square design as in this photo. I didn't really think about it until I saw this pheasant escape our attention by flying through one of those squares. Wouldn't have believed it possible if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Didn't catch it on camera though

Saw pheasants everywhere today.

Once we were away from the roads we could enjoy the rolling hills and fields.

Walking across fields is so much kinder on the feet and we all needed that today! It was here that the path just seemed to disappear before our eyes. We couldn't find a gate or stile to get out of the field.

In the end we had to resort to climbing over the barbed wire fence. Luckily we all managed it without mishap.

There was a lot of stream crossing today via stones, fallen trees or any other way we could without falling in. Everyone except for poor Tim who managed to fall head first over what must have been the smallest stream we crossed.

No damage other than to pride was done.

 I think Jim could have been a little more helpful than just standing there laughing!

The clouds were gathering.

Only had the one heavy rainfall today that required the waterproofs. The rest of the time we had sunshine and strong winds.

We came across this church standing alone with just one house nearby. As it was still raining we took shelter inside. Out of the wind and rain, it made an ideal spot for lunch.

On leaving the tiny 19th cent church the sun was shining again

Today's walk involved a lot of up and down hills as well as climbing stiles. We lost count after 30 and as the day wore on they seemed to get higher and higher.

We reached the small village of Gillamoor and for once the pub was open. The few we have past on this walk have been closed  during the day. With only two miles to go we decided not to stop as we all felt we would never get going again.

It is the last mile that is the longest especially when you have one more hill to climb.

It was such a joy to reach the village of Hutton Le hole. It is a beautiful spot. Tonight we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast, our one and only on this trip. All the others are hotels or pubs. We received a great welcome from Andrew our host, with tea and home made cake. There were lots of little touches in the room such as delicious hand made chocolates.

Steve and Paul were already fighting over who would get the 4 poster bed. The loser would be on the small roll out bed in the corner!








Our evening meal was at the local pub just a five minute walk away. This was a bit of a struggle for Tina and myself as once the boots were off we were both suffering. Tina went out in flip flops eventhough the temperature was just above freezing and I shuffled along with one foot half hanging out of my shoe. Great meal though.