Different Area, Challenging Terrain BUT worth the effort.
Some of us arrived 20 minutes early so a coffee boost was taken at the Lordstones cafe, and the idea was followed by the other car members. So, we were 15 minutes behind schedule but that didn't matter as I had shortened the route from 10.5 miles to 8 miles owing to the hot weather and the terrain. I had classified the walk as difficult because of 4 steep up and downs. I think, with this walk, I lived up to my nickname of ‘Phil the Hill’!
The walk was out and back along the ridge of the Cleveland Way and the Coast to Coast in the North York Moors National Park. At the top of the first climb, we were treated to some amazing views of Teesside, Pennines, Hartlepool and the North Sea spoilt slightly by a tad of heat haze. The route carried on until we clambered over the highlight of the walk the Wainstones. As Wainwright once said it's not a good walk unless you use your hands, and we certainly needed ours. Another steep downhill section was rewarded by a rest and lunch.
The return to Lordstones was lower but there was one last steep climb, Broughton Bank. The final path doubled up as a mountain bike route but luckily there were none today. We did see hang gliders and some coast to coasters. Lots of people enjoying the beautiful scenery. A challenging walk was rewarded with tea and cake back at the café.
Fell report by Phil Clarke