C2C: Littlebeck to Robin Hood’s Bay

 

It was blowing an absolute gale all night, with the tents straining at their ropes and billowing in and out, so nobody slept very well. We were up early at about 6.30 amid lovely and varied birdsong (the wind doesn’t bother them). Judith gave us the boiled eggs, bread and fruit we’d ordered to avoid another huge breakfast, and we said farewell to the other walkers and were on our way just after eight. The route was along the river for a short while, then across a huge area of moorland. Eventually the coast, and Whitby with its abbey, came into view over to the left. The sea gleamed promisingly at us as the sun unfortunately came out. It was too hot as we trudged along tarmac roads and then, just as we thought we were nearly there, we had to tackle a winding and undulating coast road going northwards the final few miles to Robin Hood’s Bay. Once we hit the coast road there were suddenly loads of people - a warm and sunny Saturday in June and they were all there to enjoy the scenery and the beach. No other C2C walkers to be seen About half a mile out of Robin Hood’s Bay, Elizabeth’s husband Alan hoved into view to accompany us to the official end of the  Coast to Coast and then very kindly drive us back to Cambridge. We went to one of the lovely RHB cafes for a bit of lunch and a fab view of the beach at a shady table (I was still very hot and sweaty) and then our adventure was, sadly, over. Strava has recorded 208 miles and about 25,000 feet of ascent. I now have very strong feet, and feel very light and floaty without my rucksack!

Sun coming out, bah

So near and yet so far

Hot Tarmac

We’re at the sea!

We made it!

Among the things I have learned on this trip:

• Cumbrian and Yorkshire shops and cafes play nothing but 80s hits but all give very good service.
• A heavy rucksack starts to feel less hideously uncomfortable about five days in, and by the end of two weeks it feels like a mere bagatelle.
• The most important element of kit is the shoes.
• What a curlew sounds like and what a lapwing looks like.
• Get your tent down early if it’s due to rain, and bring a spongey cloth in case you can’t.
• Bring clothes pegs.
• I’m capable of a lot of walking and it’s very conducive to a good night’s sleep.
• One of the most important factors for a successful day’s walking is knowing accurately in advance how far you’re going to be walking, with no surprises. 
• Food or a sweet drink will instantly give you a surge of new energy. You’ll need something about two hours in, even after a massive breakfast.
• Far better to walk in rain than in hot sun.