What a difference a few days makes.
Day 3 had been hard. Really hard. I’d struggled almost from the beginning, despite the route itself not being particularly difficult.
Today should probably have been harder. And I absolutely loved it.
We made an early start, dropping a car at Clay Bank before heading across to Lord Stones, where we were meeting Bev and Lynn. Rich was back with me again too, and Lynn was joining us for the first time. Lynn was a lot of fun and an absolute pleasure to have along.
Up, down, up, down…
This is only a relatively short section of the Cleveland Way, but it packs quite a lot into its 6.4 kilometres.
From Lord Stones to Clay Bank we had three tops to negotiate: Cringle Moor, Cold Moor and Hasty Bank.
And, of course, what goes up has to come down before apparently going straight back up again. The climbs were tough. There was no getting away from that, but today my legs were working.
After the experience of Day 3, when I’d known within the first kilometre that I was going to struggle, the contrast couldn’t have been greater. I felt good.
I could enjoy the walking. Enjoy the conversation. Stop and take in those enormous views across the North York Moors and beyond.
FSHD, eh? You just never know.
Apparently Lynn is a cow (stay with me)
On the way up Hasty Bank we came across a group of Belted Galloway cattle. They had quite a lot to say for themselves, which made Bev and Lynn a little nervous.
I couldn’t help noticing, though, that they seemed particularly interested in Lynn. There was an obvious explanation. Black leggings. Black T-shirt. White hoodie tied around her waist.
Lynn was dressed like a Belted Galloway cow.
This caused considerably more laughter when it was pointed out that I’d been very careful with my choice of words.
Dressed like a cow. Not looked like one. Apparently that distinction matters.
The important bit
We eventually dropped down from Hasty Bank towards Clay Bank, completing the little section we’d deliberately left over from Day 3. Only 6.41 kilometres, but three proper climbs and plenty of ascent and descent along the way.
More importantly, I’d enjoyed it. The company had been brilliant and we’d been treated to some absolutely glorious views.
Then it was back to Lord Stones to collect Lynn’s car. There was really only one sensible thing to do while we were there. Flat white. Bacon sandwich. Nice.
Day 4 done. And what a difference from Day 3. This time I’d enjoyed every bloody minute of it.
6.41 km | 2 hrs 30 mins | Three tops | approx. 500 m ascent
- Cringle Moor — 432 m (1,417 ft)
- Cold Moor — 402 m (1,319 ft)
- Hasty Bank — 398 m (1,306 ft)
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