Less is moor (pun intended!)

Urs hot footed it out of the YHA at 7.15am off up and over the north Yorkshire moors which were looking resplendent covered in purple heather.  The first half of Wainwright's route went along the northernmost ridge of the moors offering some great views and a first glimpse of the North Sea.   Urs tramped for over 20 miles on her own today with only the red grouse to speak to, thank goodness that the Lion Inn at Blakey finally came into view offering a cold beer and comfy seat and a chance to catch up with some fellow coast to coasters.

I meanwhile was off on the bike again...

I left about an hour later, taking a controversial footpath straight up to the Cleveland Way. I mainly walked this bit as it was so steep I felt like I was trying to push a bike up a mountain (wait a minute, I pretty much was). Once on the Cleveland Way it was nice to be able to cycle along the moor off road.  I passed a phenomenal amount of sheep and a ranger in a Landrover fixing a dry-stone wall. A bit like Urs, I spent most of the day without seeing a human soul.

I dropped down off the moorland and had a bit of a dilemma, stick to crazy off roading along unknown bridle paths or attempt the unknown country roads. Luckily I bumped into another cyclist who advised me to use the off pisting routes.  The local roads are a notorious speed route fir motor bikers and she was certain my bike would stand up to the bridlepaths - my fitness levels on the other hand may not!! 

Anyway, after much blood, sweat and mud (instead of tears) I managed 38 miles of off roading - I must have walked about 4 of them. I was very relieved to see the village of Gilamoor and the pub that was to be tonight's accommodation. As Issy Sanderson only lives "round the corner" she popped over the 40 miles for a catch up and provided a taxi service for Urs from the Lion Inn to Gillamoor. So a huge thanks to Issy for that one.

My Uncle Robert & Auntie Kathy turned up to join us for dinner and the next two days of the trek.

My drink for this evening will be a famous grouse please!