September 22, 2009
C2C - Keld to Reeth - stayed at the Cambridge House
Distance/Time - 20 kms /12 miles - 6 hours
Weather - overcast at start but more sun than clouds by end of hike. Gusty winds at our backs.
Terrain – easy hike along the middle ridge and rivers edge of the River Swale Valley.
Notes
Just when I thought the scenery couldn’t get any more beautiful – along came this amazing section of our hike. The River Swale Valley is spectacular with vistas of old stone farm buildings, stone fences and sheep pastures. Nestled along the River Swale were two beautiful picturesque villages – Muker and Gunnerside. We stopped at the Kings Head in Gunnerside for a pint of local ale and snacks.
September 23, 2009
C2C - Reeth to Richmond – stayed at the Willance House
Distance/Time - 18 kms /11 miles - 4 ½ hours
Weather - cool temperatures, partly cloudy skies, great weather for hiking.
Terrain - fairly flat hike across moors and farmland.
Notes
The scenery was not as beautiful as the day before. Richmond is the largest city on the C2C walk. Checked out the castle and trinity square. Hiked with Kelly for second day. She is a solo traveler from USA but working in London with husband, Chris. Good chemistry with her – lots of chatter on the trail.
Posts from this trip.
This is Wainwright’s C2C path, not trail. I think of a trail as a fairly flat manicured walkway. We are embarking on something completely different. The majority of the 192 miles across England will be on 16” rutted out pathways filled with mud, sheep/cattle manure, smooth and sharp boulders, tree roots and running water.
What a welcome to our return to the C2C. This was the worst weather we have encountered and it actually hailed on us at the top of Nine Standards. Wind, rain, hail, mud and very low visibility made this day a real adventure. Relied on compass to find our way when we couldn’t find the path and visibility was only 75’ (25 meters). Great view when the sun is shining - so they say.
Once we cleared the top of Cleveland Hill the view of Scarth Moor was spectacular. Walked for many hours in undulating hills covered in heather. Fourty six miles (75 kms) in two days - couldn’t wait for a cold pint at the Lion Inn in Blakey. Fourth highest pub in England , this is a truly classic countryside English pub.
As the crow flies our last section should have been 10 miles – but Wainwright (who the hike is named after) had other plans. The hike through Little Beck Preserve was like hiking through the Hobbits Middle Earth – and the extra circle around the coastal cliffs proved a fitting way to enter into Robin Hood’s Bay.
C2C hikers either carry a pebble or small vile of water from the start (St. Bees). I carried some Irish Sea water and poured it into the North Sea. Then you go to Wainwright’s Bar, which is at the waters edge, and have a very refreshing pint or two. Sign the log book and put down a few personal notes. We relaxed, enjoyed the view and watched for other people we met along the way finish their hike. Then we enjoyed fish and chips at a chip shop – the best fish and chips we ever had!