Wednesday 16 July 2014

C2C Day 11

Tough day with 20 miles done and 2500 feet of climbing. Coped better with conditions but completely worn out tonight and feet sore. Easier day tomorrow.

** Updated Thu 17th **

Wed 16th - Ingleby Cross to Blakey Ridge (Day 11)

19.75ml, 9.5hrs

Today's leg was described a rollercoaster day and they weren't kidding. Right from the start we were climbing as we followed a forest trail up through the trees and joined the Cleveland Way. We then climbed a succession of what Chris our leader referred to as 'big bumps' as we climbed up onto high moorland.

The heather is not yet out in most places except for one or two small patches. Every now and then we would disturb some grouse hiding nearby who would go running off down the track ahead of us. A lot of work has been done on the moors as in places there are almost the equivalent of pavements across the moor. From the very highest parts of the Moor we could see the industrial areas Tees Port.

Early on in the walk we came across some teenagers doing their Duke of Edinburgh award. Several times they came storming past us only for us to find them around the next corner resting. Slow and steady was definitely the best method and especially when climbing hills. Our leader Chris has shown us how you can conserve energy by taking 'baby steps' uphill. It seems counter-intuitive at first but by taking smaller steps and using the bigger muscles of the legs you have more energy left for the next hill (and the next and the next ..)

By late afternoon we had done most of the climbing. We left the Cleveland Way at a place called Bloworth Crossing and for the last few miles followed a disused railway line that crosses the moor. The line seemed to stretch on into the distance forever and we began to wonder when the walk would end. And then, just as described in Wainwright's guide, the Lion Inn appeared in the distance as we rounded a corner.

It had begun to rain by now but to be honest, none of us cared by this point. We just kept putting one foot in front of the other and little by little we got closer until we finally arrived.

I was yawning throughout our evening meal and was so exhausted after the walk when I laid down on the bed to email a quick update to my blog I promptly fell asleep and woke up an hour later. When I did try and get ready for bed and tried to get back to sleep I couldn't get comfortable at first. My legs were aching and my feet were throbbing but eventually I managed to nod off.


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