Day 14: Danby Wiske to Osmotherly

Day two of my trundle across the Vale of Mobrey.

Again the tear-about walkers have smashed yesterday and today into one grueling march. I, however, have had a relaxing afternoon at the White Swan and feel refreshed, ready for my amble southeast to Osmotherly.

From the bridge crossing the River Wiske, outside the village, I can see the outline of the Cleveland Hills in the distance.

But the rain is coming, I walked out of the White Swan optimistic that the rain will pass, but when it comes to the English weather there is never any optimism. I donned my jacket.

Deciding not to put on my over-pants as the rain was at best annoying, was not a good idea. The track was for the first part through and I do mean through fields of barley, some nearly chest high.

In my shorts and bare legs the rain soaked crop drained into my boots as I marched up the gap in the field.

Pouring water from boots

My socks like sponges filled with water as I squelched along. Unable to go further as my feet were freezing and getting sore, because the water had softened the skin, I stopped and literally poured the water from my boots, rung out my socks, replacing them. Then off I went only to repeat this half and hour later.

Seeing another barley field ahead I decided that I should put on my over-pants. Why I didn’t do that sooner I will never know.

Taking some lunch on a stile in the drizzle I thought about putting on clean dry socks from my pack but the drizzle turned to rain and I decided to keep moving.

Walking along tracks and quiet back roads that link a series of busy farms many leaving drinks and snacks for passers by, along with an honor box for payments, I crossed the railway line before reaching the A19.

Service Station on A19

This was a dangerous dash across a very busy A-road, which, happily, marks two thirds of the way across England, time to celebrate. Luckily the Blue Bell Inn is only 15 minutes down the road, well placed to slip in a pint of John Smiths before heading off to Arncliffe Wood.

In 2011 we stayed at the Blue Bell and made Arncliffe Wood in the morning then turning back north, to the escarpment at the end of the wood, but this time my overnight accommodation is further south in Osmotherley.

That is how this walk unfolds in the planning stages, some villages are bigger than others offering more accommodation, and if you can’t get in at one village then the choice is stop at the village before or walk further to the next.

I stopped at the Blue Bell, but not for a drink, I changed my socks in the beer garden, time enough to feel the cold as I sheltered under an oak tree. To keep warm I marched on.

Arncliffe Wood

Today I continue on past Arncliffe Wood, joining the Cleveland Way down to the village of Osmotherley sitting on the western edge of the North York Moors and my B&B at Vane House.

I will find an alternative route to the escarpment tomorrow.

Osmotherley boasts three pubs within a 50m radius: the Queen Catherine, the Three Tuns and the Golden Lion. Spoilt for choice, I just had to visit all three.

Daily Stats.

Distance             18.8km

Assent                527m

Descent              387m

Time out             4h 15m

Stopped              0h 30m

Moving average 5.1km per hour

Weather 8 to14, Rain