Woke at 5.30 to the sound of the dawn chorus. There had been a little light rain in the night, but nothing very much. It felt cold. I had put some oats and sultanas to soak overnight and this was my breakfast. Not the most uplifting of meals, I think that I will heat it up tomorrow
Not enough water for a cup of tea, so after packing the tent I walked the best part of a mile back to the visitors centre at Sutton Bank for water. The warden kindly opened the toilet block for me, and we had a brief chat.
Then back to pick up my rucksack and continue the trail. My pack is heavier today, as despite losing some food the wet flysheet more than makes up for this
There’s a cold biting wind and the sky is looking threatening. I dodge one sleety shower sheltering under a leaning pine tree.
This is horse training country, and I come across a couple of three jumps, set up in hidden hollows. Secret horse training
I meet a couple from Colorado who are walking the trail. They are surprised at the cold weather and don’t look very happy
And the I’m out onto the wide open moorland. Exposed open moorland. Hail showers blow through. These aren’t so bad, the hail bounces off and I stay dry.
The miles slowly pass and Osmotherley comes into view. This had been my target for the day and I’m here for lunch. The gentle paths and tracks have made for easy walking
Osmotherley looks a charming village
I have a very leisurely lunch and thaw out in the Golden Lion. Chicken and leek pie in suet pastry, very good
I emerge from the pub into a brighter and cheerier world. The temperature has climbed several degrees and the clouds were higher in the sky
A quick diversion to the Lady Chapel of Mount Grace Priory. This impressed with its quiet simplicity
The route ahead follows the edge of the high ground, it’s good to get such a clear view of the land ahead
Through beech woodland
Eventually the sun comes out, I can take off my jacket and then spread out the flysheet to dry. Although I only plan to walk a couple more hours, having a break and saving a few hundred grams seems very worthwhile
I have decided to make for Carlton Bank tonight, a dip between two high sections where it should be more sheltered, and re-ascend to gain the moorland on Gold Hill
This pile of stones is all that remains of an ancient bronze age burial mound. It has a dominant position overlooking the plain below, perhaps giving protection to the people that used to live there
I find a very sheltered spot to pitch my tent. It is quite close to a glamping site. When I first passed through it seemed deserted, but as evening passes into night I can hear voices of people staying there. Perhaps I am not remote enough, but expect things will be OK
No comments:
Post a Comment