Day 14 - Richmond to Danby Wiske

Our time in Richmond was very pleasant, especially our accomodation at Arandale Guest House with Paul and Tina.  Breakfast was superb but the climb up 3 flights of stairs wasn't!  We drew the short straw this time.  Our location was very central to everything which made getting around very easy.

Refreshed by our rest day, we began with a visit to the Market Square and bought supplies for lunch then headed towards the Swale and walked across the Richmond Bridge.

We made a slight navigational mistake which resulted in a great view of Easby Abbey, but the climb up the hill wasn't easby peasy!        

We traversed another muddy track through a riverside woodland.

Our walk today was 25 kms through the relatively flat terrain of the Vale of Mowbray.  The Coast to Coast trail has led us through fields of cropping,

 Cattle

and horses. 

And over the A1 - this added another mile to our trip because of a detour that took us over a temporary footbridge across the motorway.

Unexpectedly, we came across a triathlon which helped to pass the time as we walked along side the competitors.

I had to work hard to stop Allan joining the race!

Today we said farewell to the River Swale. We marched into the hamlet of Bolton-on-Swale where the local church provides refreshments;  you help yourself and leave a donation.  We lunched here and enjoyed a cold drink and a cup of tea.  A lovely gesture by the locals.

In the churchyard is a famous monument to Henry Jenkins, a local man who lived an unremarkable life except for its length.

He claimed he was 169 when he died, a fact which may explain the popularity of the village with retirees.  Apparently they come by the bus load.

We then set off on an unexciting and quiet 3 1/2mile tramp of road-walking, the longest on the entire trail.  The views are nonexistent because of very high hedges, which would be lovely if in flower but it's still to early for the roses. To fill in the time we sang songs, chatted and walked quietly, contemplating the joy of the opportunity to walk such a beautiful part of the world. We are so blessed!

We ended up in an overgrown track that led us into another woodland filled with silver birches

 and underplanted with yellow irises.

As I walked I was contemplating, what advice could I give any future coast to coasters. So here is my  first hint.

While walking, always keep an eye peeled for suitable toilet stops.   If none  are  found, wriggle your toes.  Believe me, it helps. 

Eventually we walked

 into Danby Wiske

Our accommodation in Danby Wiske was The White Swan which sits  beside the village green.  Just on dinner time a large crowd gathered on the green and to our amazement a red, double-decker bus pulled up and everyone got in and they all drove off.  The pub was nearly empty on a Saturday night - strange.  Allan said he heard them all arrive back about 10:30.