The amazing summer weather continued and we again had lovely dry, warm and sunny conditions for our walk from Swainby to Osmotherley and back.
We arrived early, so when we spotted The Rusty Bike Cafe, that we’d be visiting later, we decided to have a spot of breakfast. Bacon sandwiches and tea then onto meet the others.
Swainby
Swainby is a lovely village just inside the very North East of the Yorkshire Moors National Park. It is a typical North Yorkshire village and is less touristy than Osmotherley.
Maggie, who joined us at Bamburgh for the Advance Training Walk, joined us again. This time we were on her home turf, as she lives and walks in this area. Her Nordic Walking Instructor, Hanne from Finesse Nordic Walking, also joined us for the first half of the walk. After greetings, we warmed up and set off up the road towards The Cleveland Way.
The Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way is a national trail that takes in large parts of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. It runs between Helmsley and Filey and was the second National Trail to be established in England and Wales. It is 109 miles long and was created in 1969.
We followed the Cleveland way up to Scarth Wood Moor, where we turned on to a bridleway that descends into Osmotherley. There are amazing views of the area to the North from Scarth Wood Moor. Middlesborough and Darlington are easy to spot and you can even see the sea.
On the way down to Osmotherley, we could see Cod Beck Reservoir. Hanne noted that the level of the reservoir was very low, as expected because there hasn’t been much rain here recently.
Osmotherley
Osmotherley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the National Park. It is a very pretty village but it can be a little too busy. Luckily, today it looked like everyone was at Osmotherley Show. This meant that we had the luxury of being able to use both of the outdoor tables at The Osmotherley Tea and Coffee Shop.
Hanne left us here, to meet with her husband, who was competing in the Osmotherley Show Fell Race. Frankie also left us here as it was a bit too warm for her. However, Donna joined us, to make up the numbers. She had miscalculated the dates of the walk and could only do the second half of the walk.
Return to the Cleveland Way
Having enjoyed lunch, we set off from Osmotherley on the same road that we came in on. However, a little way up, we turned onto The Cleveland Way, for the return journey. Not far along, John met his cousin, who is a volunteer Ranger for the National Park. We admired the view whilst they had a catch up. This route climbs up the West side of Swinestye Hill and gives incredible views to the west. The North Pennines and The Yorkshire Dales are visible from here.
We also took the chance for a rest in the shade, whenever we got the opportunity. It’s a long climb up the side of that hill.
The last part of the climb is up to the signal station and then we were back to where we had passed on the way up.
Back to Swainby
We headed back down the hill to Swainby. Crossing the road at the cattle grid, we spotted John’s cousin again, coming the opposite way.
Soon we were back into Swainby. After a well needed cool down and stretch we headed back to The Rusty Bike Cafe for tea. Geoff “Elbows” noticed an appropriate sack on the wall that read “Specially prepared for Nordic approach”. Thanks to Julie reserving a table earlier, they were prepared.
This was a lovely end to the day with lovely people. Thanks for coming and hope to see you all again soon,
Julie and Martin
