The inviting tiny hamlet of Littlebeck is encountered first thing this morning, a top contender for most charming village on the Coast to Coast.
We are startled to notice the river gauge is measured in feet.
Littlebeck lacks industrial prowess but excels in gentle beauty.
We progress to a delightful, (although muddy in places), amble through the Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve.
We find familiar flowers here, in this case aconite, a poisonous but beautiful plant.
The beckoning path draws us onward.
We take advantage of the local knowledge imparted by our hostess, and elect to follow the roads rather than crossing the Graystone Hills. This proves a fortuitous decision, based on the tales of those who stuck to the traditional route.
The legendary North Sea finally reveals itself under moody skies.
The correct route is pretty obvious for once.
The Coast to Coast finishes with a level stroll along the top of seaside bluffs, complete with panoramic views.
Robin Hoods Bay, the end of the Coast to Coast route, comes into view.
Walled gardens and brick houses announce our arrival in Robin Hood’s Bay.
The main street drops steeply towards the North Sea shore.
Shopping opportunities are ubiquitous.
A charming maze of narrow walkways connect the village, a reminder of the past as a smuggler’s haven.
Today an interesting variety of plantings are crammed into every available space.
Lupine and campanula brighten the walkway.
A celebratory treat on the lawn at the Victoria Hotel is just the thing for sagging energy levels.
Two nights are planned here, at the pleasant and comfortable Lynnfield B&B.
Local business finds inspiration in the past.
Arrival at Wainright’s Bar marks a memorable moment.
Our trek is officially over.
The traditional ritual of wetting our boots in the North Sea, and depositing the pebble we carried from St Bee’s is duly observed.
With a feeling of accomplishment mixed with a bit of regret that there is no hiking agenda for tomorrow, we happily greet the North Sea.
