Bill's Coast to Coast Diary

Day 16: Egton Bridge to Robin Hood's Bay

(N.B. Hover your mouse over the pictures for captions)

We made an early start from Egton Bridge, well as early as breakfast would allow - the pub would not provide us with an early cooked breakfast, but did give us cereals, coffee and toast. We walked along the track past Egton Manor, passing the old sign for tolls at the tollhouse.

Sign at the old tollhouse

We emerged into Grosmont, where we were relieved to find the shop open, so that we could buy some lunch. Whilst we were in the shop, one of the steam locomotives was manoeuvring at the station, so we watched this for a while

Steam loco at Grosmont

before climbing the steep hill, Fair Head Lane, behind. This was really a steep, long pull, and the temperature was rising, so there was plenty of time taken to admire the gradually expanding view behind.

Looking back from Fair Head Lane

Once on the top, we carried on along the road, for a while, and took a slim path through the heather, which brought us to the A169 opposite the track to Littlebeck. Having crossed the road, we descended into the village, crossed the river and entered a beautiful stretch through the woods for several miles.

Passing 'The Hermitage', a cave hewn from a huge boulder...

The Hermitage

... and Falling Foss, a high waterfall, we arrived at May Beck car park, where we met Joe, Madeline and Dean.

We were pleased to also find an ice cream van for by now the sun was very hot. From here we climbed up to Smeaton Low Moor and tramped across the heather to join the B1416 road for a while. The road was actually quite busy, and we were glad to turn off onto the path over the Graystone Hills. By now we were quite hungry, and looking for some shade to have lunch - however there was none to be had for a while.

Finally, we could see Whitby and the sea in the distance, meaning that our journey was nearing completion.

Whitby and the sea at last

It seemed quite a while before we reached a slightly boggy dip and then climbed up to the fields beyond. At this point, we gave up finding shade, so we sat down and had our lunch with a view of Whitby. I rang our daughter Joanna to confirm our meeting arrangements in Robin Hood's Bay.

Phil climbing towards the sea

After lunch, we descended the field and through an enclosed lane to reach the road to Hawsker. On the way we spotted a sign to Robin Hood's Bay, taking comfort in the fact that we were getting really close. We walked through the village and found the village pub for a drink and a rest. Suitably refreshed, we left the village and walked down the track to the caravan park.

Sign to Robin Hood's Bay

Once through the caravans, we arrived at the top of the cliffs at Maw Wyke Hole, a dramatic start to the last few miles along the coast. It was great to see the sea again at close quarters, and my mind was cast back to the first day, walking along the cliffs at St. Bees Head. It seemed so far way, yet the memory was still clear in my mind.

Maw Wyke Hole

The scenery on the last few miles is excellent, and the weather was perfect as we walked along the cliff tops.

Walking on the cliff tops

But still we couldn't wait to get to Ness Point, where the ultimate destination, Robin Hood's Bay, would be visible for the first time. Soon we rounded the point, and we stopped for a quick drink a little further on before entering the village.

Robin Hood's Bay in sight at last

Entering Robin Hood's Bay was a weird experience. All of a sudden, after 190 miles of remote countryside, you find yourself on a suburban street with cars and people all about. You know that you have almost finished your journey and that there will be no more solitude today, or for some time to come. As I walked along the road, I had to wait for a car which I thought might just turn down the side road in front of me, thinking "welcome back to civilisation - what a shock!". The car driver seemed to be pausing, as if to say "I'd better watch out for these stupid walkers - they'll probably walk straight in front of me!".

At the same instant, I recognised the car and driver, and the driver recognised me. It was in fact our own car, and the driver was Joanna our daughter. She had driven up from home to pick us up, and was looking for her bed and breakfast.

Entering Robin Hood's Bay

After mutual greetings, we found her bed and breakfast, called in at ours and then continued down the steep hill to the bay itself. We dipped our boots in the sea ...

Dipping our boots in the North Sea

... threw our pebbles from the beach at St. Bees into the water ...

Throwing our pebbles into the North Sea

... and retired to the Bay Hotel ...

The Bay Hotel

... for a celebratory pint or few.

Celebrating at the end of the walk

Since we had walked to the seaside, we thought it appropriate to have fish and chips for supper, and so we sat on the steps eating our tea.

Fish and chip supper

Conclusion