September 22, 2022, 10.5 km from Hayburn Wyke to Scarborough
Hello everyone. I’m jumping ahead for a moment as this afternoon I walked across the sands leading into Scarborough, with views of Scarborough Castle ahead, having walked 100 miles on the Cleveland Way, with only 9 more miles to go tomorrow to the official end of the Way at Filey Brig.
I was filled with emotion as I walked across the sand, so happy with my achievement but mostly so grateful for all of the gifts I have received on this journey. I feel intense gratitude for:
- The gorgeous North York countryside and far-reaching views on both the moors and the coast
- A well-designed and well-marked trail. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who monitor and maintain all 109 miles of the Cleveland Way
- Splendid weather. How lucky I am! I had just one day of misty rain, my first day on the trail, and then nothing but sun and cloud and wonderful winds – I could just as easily have been walking in rain for two weeks!
- Flowers, fields, ferns, grasses, hedgerows, woods, rivers, streams, birds, the sea, and all of nature’s gifts (including blackberries, bilberries, and windfall apples)
- Charming towns filled with historical buildings including churches, abbeys and a castle
- Excellent accommodations with kind hosts, good food, hot showers, and comfortable beds such as at my last night’s accommodation at the Hayburn Wyke Inn
- Lovely, friendly walkers and others who without exception have greeted me with a smile and a hello (or often a “hiya” which is a cheery and popular greeting here) as we passed, or who stopped to chat and share travel tales like the couple below who I conversed with for almost an hour on a most well-placed bench
- And last but not least, I am grateful to my feet, knees, legs and hips for carrying me this far!
I will stay three nights here in Scarborough before returning to London. Tomorrow, I’ll finish the Cleveland Way by walking to Filey Brig and returning by bus, and then the next day I’ll explore the town and visit Scarborough Castle. I’m also hoping to get caught up on my posts while I’m here – we’ll see! In the meantime, thank you so much for reading, and all the best to everyone back home.
So nice to get your “gratitude” blog this morning. The vastness of coastline and ocean is no doubt a part of your inner experience of the world. Your west coast home extends that for you when you get back. Enjoy your Scarborough time. Hugs, Anna
Thank you Anna, and hugs to you.
Hi Christine, I love your gratitude post. I have been enjoying journeying along this trip with you. I imagine a lot of mixed emotions arise as you close in on your journey’s end, but no doubt you’ll soon find yourself planning your next big trek. Good luck on the final leg, and look forward to hearing more about it next time we get to walk together! 🥰
Michele
Hi Michele. Yes, the rush of emotion comes suddenly and surprisingly and it is very welcome. I’m looking forward to our next walk too, and I hope all are well at home. Love, Christine