Yet again, we managed to turn a 9.5 mile hike into 14 mile jaunt. I slept nine much needed hours and we had planned a later breakfast and start due to the shorter route. The morning was misty and cool, perfect for walking, but not so great for visibility.
Our host’s friend Gary drove us back to the start of Clay bank where we had been picked up yesterday, worn, weary, and sore. We immediately took the wrong trail which Tony realized when he glanced to the right and saw the stone pavers for our ascent up Clay Bank Top. Instead of going back down Tony elected to take a short cut, through a thicket, cut down tree limbs, and a climb over a stone fence. Oh yeah, we were off to a famous start!
Starting up the wrong hill trail.
Tony’s shortcut through thicket, cut down tree limbs, etc. nice three inch gash across my leg from this treat.
The correct route.
The start began immediately climbing steeply up hill on rocks placed to form a madman’s idea of a stair.
Climbing carefully
Top with warning sign about steep descent which we just came up.
The weather was still cool with mist obscuring all the distant vistas. We were high up on the moor, but could barely see beyond the marked path at times. I can’t imagine how disorienting it could be before these well made paths were placed.
Cairns to mark the way.
Second cairn at top
Third cairn with a group of young hikers heading the other way.
Marker stones along the way
What is on this marker?
After that group of young men we saw no other hikers along the way.
Sheep were baaing across the moors
There were sheep spread out across the moor. We also were quite surprised to see headlights.
Car on moor, farmer ?
We kept looking at the maps checking to make sure we were on track or to locate where we were.
Marker with face
Tony checking map.
The pond
Off on a narrow track that went through some boggy parts.
Sheep by a message board about the moors
Path continues in the mist
We saw these offerings? Along the way. What are they?
Beautiful greens on the moors
Walking
Muddy track
More offerings?
Sides drop away but valley in mist.
We were still back on map 80 when we came to this sign So we didn’t turn.
Welcome to Blakey where we should have turned
We did get to see this nice view.
What we saw on our extra excursion.
After walking quite a way, realizing we saw none of the signs we should, we turned around and headed back. By then we sort of figured out our mistake.
Heading back the right way see The Lion.
Walking into The Lion
Had a much needed shower and supper. Now I am heading for bed. No wifi in room or I’d already be there. Tomorrow another adventure!
So, yeah, I got us off on the wrong track, but then saw the right tract off to our right, so shifted a couple of stones in the wall between us and made Tony’s Stile and we were back on track,
I was lloking forward to an early day, since i slept badly after yesterday’s, er, debacle, and was tired and disoriented (!) Didn’t get it, but we got to the Lion, a beautiful, centuries old pub with four or five dining rooms, a dining / drinking patio, lots of people and great food…and low lintels, each one padded for the occassional impact with a visitor’s head. you can imagine how well I learned to duck…
And now, the penultimate day, 13 miles of hiking joy!
Mary,
Regarding the unusual “special offerings”on rocks …”what are they?”…After carefully examining the first smaller one, my guess is either: someone’s Christmas fruit cake or peat.
Regarding the “Lion w/ lots of people & dining rooms”… I would have taken the road they took. Have you considered riding with your luggage to the next nice Inn? I wouldn’t think less of you for lounging around with hot tea & a nice book.
Love you, Melissa
Well, we have joked about doing that, but the van wouldn’t stop so I could take pics!