The club walk on Saturday 12 October went from Robin Hoods Bay to Scarborough, along one of the most beautiful yet demanding stretches of Yorkshire’s coast. It was a fine and breezy day when 36 walkers alighted from the coach to undertake a 13-mile stretch of the Cleveland Way and whilst the low clouds barely lifted above the hilltops, there was no rain and the ground stayed dry throughout!
This section of coast is incised with several inlets, known as Wykes that require walkers to negotiate steep-sided ravines. The most notable of these are Hayburn and Cloughton Wykes and steep steps are provided, but these were quite slippery from recent muddy boots and it was a site to behold to see otherwise fit and agile walkers holding on tightly to the handrails that accompanied the steps, in order to progress downwards under control – and not in freefall!
It was a great day for chatting all the way round as the route was easy to follow “just keep the sea on your left”; the only concern was that somebody might slip into the North Sea, like many of the houses hereabouts.
For the wildlife enthusiasts there was evidence of seals and the pleasant accompaniment of oyster-catchers foraging as the tide receded. For beer-lovers there was the lure of the pub at the end, with some excellent food and real ale. All enjoyed a great day out – and there wasn’t a single pirate sighting!