Introduction

The Cleveland Way runs for 110 miles between Helmsley and Filey. It circles round the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, joining the coast at Saltburn and going through fishing villages and seaside towns to its end at Filey

I have previously looked at doing this route, but the lack of accommodation and places to resupply on the moorland section made planning tricky. Basically there was a lack of pubs and inns for the sort of walking holiday wanted. Doing it as a backpacking route removes these problems, but does make it a tougher challenge 

The death of my dad last December has provided the impetus to relook at this route. Solo backpacking trips is what he did. I have a memory of him doing this walk at some point, but looking through his walking diaries and photos reveals no evidence for this. So I guess that perhaps I have to do it for him 

My main worry is the capacity of my aging knees to carry me and an 11 or 12kg pack through the rugged landscape. All was fine a year ago on a cross-lakes route, but I am very aware that physical deterioration can happen quite quickly and in a non gradual way

But if I take the walk steadily I'm hoping all will be well 

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