All done

Back home now having completed the walk at 2pm yesterday. It has been a wonderful 9 days seeing tremendous scenery and enjoying almost every moment of the the way. Hopefully looking at well in excess of £4k so a serious amount of money raised too. I felt quite emotional approaching the line with my youngest, Sam who walked the last day and a half ,with the bride Cheryl, my mother and stepdaughter Bekah waiting. I also managed to phone Lou shortly after completing the walk and my first glass of champers!

Thanks to everyone who has helped me both in terms of sponsorship and messages of support and of course Cheryl especially for logistical, mental and emotional back up. The right knee is knackered and somewhat swollen and my left toe is still a bit messy but physically it was generally ok and a small sacrifice compared to what Lou goes through on an almost daily basis.

Cheryl did ask where next...... we haven't spoken since!! All I can say is it might be a while but if anybody is thinking of a long distance walk the Cleveland Way is a magnificent starter.

More later....or maybe not

Day whatever it is complete, must be 7 because only two to go. Vital stats now at blisters 3, knackered knees 1, miles to go 25, pints consumed several.

Today was the first part of the route I know but it didn't stop me appreciating its wonderful beauty. Sunny sky, blue seas, gale force winds trying to blow me off the cliffs.... Marvellous.

Had to revise campsite due to wind but am now settled and sheltered.

Oops need milk will send more later*

*note from Cheryl - nothing arrived so far, suspect the search for milk became a search for other liquid refreshment ;-)

What can go wrong??

What can go wrong? Well it started raining just as the washing was dry and then not one but two zips on the tent broke. Thankfully the absence of further rain or wind meant I got through the night ok aided by temp repairs and several beers.



Managed to fix one zip this morning and purchased needle & thread to sew the other this afternoon, not the neatest nor perfect solution but we are functional although as I sit overlooking whitby harbour it is bouncing down.

A much shorter day using the spare day which is just as well as the left foot blister count is up to three and the little toe is a mess. I don't have the prettiest feet at the best of times but the appearance is not improving... Still at least they are big!

Walked to Whitby only and will shortly sort out a piece of cod with my name on it before watching Manure on Sky.... Apparently they won the league at the weekend... At least satan's lot have to play in the div 3 playoffs...c'mon Yeovil.

Anyway enough footy, I am my favourite place and food and beer are calling.

Day 5 - Slapewath to Runswick Bay

The day I had been dreading in terms of mileage but I had a really good walk which is amazing considering the start. I have two knackered discs at the base of my back and every now and then they flare up. Of course it had to happen today so imagine the scene of me taking the tent down and packing the rucksack on hands and knees. I was literally having to throw plasters at my blisters because I couldn't reach my toes.

Anyway was packed and upright by 8.10am and amazingly the pressure and heat generated by the pack helped and the pain eased.

I eventually hit the coast about ten, had the obligatory stroll on the pier [don't get the bride started on my love of piers.... Sad b... Is the sum of it].



Then it was off on the 52 miles to Filey - all by the sea.

The first part has spectacular cliffs and some fascinating industrial heritage.. Code for ugly bits. Had a late lunch in the cod & lobster at staithes where the lovely Sarah & Carol both offered sponsorship,, and no bride I didn't even register that they were blond, curvy etc... Just read my map!

Arrived at Runswick bay in good time and fine fettle for once. Lovely site, god pub nearby and somewhere to wash some clothes. What can go wrong.

Tea and sympathy - day 4

Despite walking like I had just got off my horse last night I didn't feel too bad this morning. After the milk fiasco I was bailed out by my neighbour who not only provided the milk but made the tea too... Top man and brave too as he was camping with his neice and grand daughter , plus he sponsored me, hope you got home ok and it was a pleasure to meet you Keith.

After a lengthy chat with the farmer about the lambs, two of which were born in the next field overnight, I was on my way by 9.10am to cover the last section of moors including the mini matterhorn Roseberry Topping. This is a very steep distinctive peak that seriously hurt with the weight on my back. The local primary school fundraisers had set up a tent/cafe serving tea etc which was welcome apart from the obligatory red faced colonel type drumming up custom. He of course had to comment on my puffing. I managed to restrain from asking him to fornicate elsewhere.... Just.

The rest of the walk to Slapewath was mainly through forestry commision land which was ok but again hard on the feet. Only one full blister but lots of pain due to the cast iron surface. Apparently there has hardly been any rain this year and you can see the evidence.

Tomorrow I begin the coastal path. Had a few glimpses since yesterday but looking forward to hearing the crash of waves. For now a hot shower beckons and then joining up with the local hunt for the evening.[think about it]*

*note from Cheryl - a pub called 'The Fox and Hounds' in case you couldn't work it out either...

Day three

Apparently today's section is the most strenuous of the whole walk so sensibly I end doing two days! 21 miles and do I know it, first blister, sore knees and yes mark from the lion my chuffin feet kill.

After last night when Paul aka lightweight crashed during tea we both had an early night [very seperately I might add] with the consequence we up before 7am and I was walking by 8am.

A cool and blustery morning over quite stunning countryside saw me reach the lunch stop by 11am. Not to be deterred I had breakfast bap and a lunchtime glass... Sorry its imperative to maintain a constant diet.

The next miles were killers up and down but I continued to make excellent progress. At 11 miles I had the choice of 2 miles off route as planned or anither 10 to the next nights stop. Chose the latter and do I know about it now. Although relatively flat the wind knocked hell out of me making me stagger like old lightweight last night.

Eventually I reached Kildale only to find the shop shut. At least Lou and Andy were meeting me so I could ask them to get some milk which they did and have just driven off taking it with them... Doh.

Anyway we had a great meal, proper roast dinner and a couple of beers. Lou is doing ok although she has had a tough day although Andy did have the joys of his family last night. A picture from today of me and Lou attatched.

Tomorrow is shorter but today has given me some slack later in the week.. I may well need it.

Day two...and the IT is working!!!

A second quality days walking although the feet, back and knees ache. After my walking partner of yesterday Keri dressed for the occasion in shiny white trainers, jeans and carrying his roll ups today we had paul who confessed that if he didn't cover his head in the sun, naked he looks like a match !!

Back to the walk, the above clearly illustrates my attractiveness as a walking partner. Yesterday was a steady climb to hambleton through a very gentle rolling landscape while today has seen a huge variety, hills, views, moorland and a couple of naughty climbs just when we thought we were nearly there at osmotherly.

Campsite is great tonight with wonderful and needed showers.last night had a great pub but no facilities..... not so good so don't go there. Even better this afternoon the sun has come out so have given the man breasts an outing... Good thing cheryl was at home pining.

Booked in for a meal tonight at caths [queen caths hotel] where being the finely honed athlete I am I shall restrict myself to lager shandy and j2o...

Tomorrow sees allegedly the most strenuous day and at the mo the body is having a bit of a chunter so we shall see how we progress. Mind you I am convinced I have gone deaf... Every time I pick up my pint I do so in silence?

Sorry for the missing contrib yesterday, spent half an hour typing it only for it not to be received...damm technology.

Anyway cath is waiting,subject to my IT skills will post tomorrow....