Coast to Coast - Day 14 (Part 2)

Intake Farm to Robin Hood's Bay - 12.5 miles

It wasn't the best of nights: it was cold and very damp. I woke up too many times to count, trying to find a comfortable position only to realise that every turn meant readjusting the two throws. I was glad when it was time to get up. All my clothes were dry, and my boots were getting there, but breakfast had to take the trophy. Sitting in a big kitchen with a steaming cup of tea and a sizzling bacon and egg sandwich while chatting to Judith about everything and nothing was brilliant. It took me back to my childhood when I did the same with my granny. Big AAHH moment for me. Huge thank you again.

I set off without my rain gear and the sun on full display. This was the first sunny walking day this time around. I was skipping, laughing, singing, and grinning from ear to ear.

The first section was a lovely walk through the forest with the famous Falling Foss in the middle. The ascents varied from gentle to steep, but they were all very short. The short road walk after was lovely, but what followed was anything but. The rain did an amazing job with the fields and paths. Everything was muddy and slightly flooded. One field was so bad that I had to retrace my steps 3 times to try to find a way through the boggy field. By hour three, I simply waltzed across every puddle / boggy field as if they were stone-dry. My wet boots really didn't mind the extra water care anymore. It was in one of these fields that I managed to do something I didn't really have the opportunity to do on this trip due to the weather. Find a great spot and simply sit and enjoy the moment. It felt wonderful.

Glimpses of the sea became clearer, and Whitby Abbey became a constant on the horizon. Just after 12 p.m., I arrived in Hawsker. The local pub was empty, but the number of benches outside gave me a grand idea. As all my gear was still wet and the sun was out, you don't need to guess long. I lay my inner/outer tent and my sleeping bag on several benches, secured it with something, and left the sun to do its magic. By the time I finished my home-cooked soup, everything was dry, including my socks. As the sun was still shining brightly, I got my sun hat/sunglasses and shorts out. This is how I started my final 3.5 miles to Robin Hood's Bay. The views of the sea and surrounding cliffs were stunning. I managed to squeeze in 3 mini breaks, call it procrastinating, but the landscape demanded my full attention. Just after 3 p.m., I officially entered Robin Hood's bay. What a great feeling. I MADE IT

192 miles in 14 days, walking in heatwaves and storms, crossing 3 different national parks, meeting some amazing people, and seeing some stunning landscapes. It was definitely worth every step, sweat and pain.

After sorting out my accommodation for the night, I headed straight for the beach to do 3 things. Pictures, throwing the stone I picked up from St Bees and a swim, of course. The tide was coming in pretty quickly, so I didn't hesitate. I gave my phone to a complete stranger, with orders to take pictures, and headed in for a splash. It was cool but not cold, and I spent a little time playing with the small waves.

To finish off the day and journey in style, I headed for the local fish and chips and asked for the biggest they could do. I enjoyed it with a lot of vinegar and a view to remember. The smile on my face will be hard to wipe after this.