Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Tuesday, 17 August 2021

10 and 11 May 1980 - Martin's Meander


                            Goathland (click on any image for a slideshow)

Continuing the scanning of my 1980 slides, I've reached a solo two-day backpack on the Yorkshire Moors, en route from Lincoln to Manchester. By now my parents had moved from Guisborough to Lincoln, and I may have spent a week's holiday studying for insolvency exams in Lincoln, before making my way back home via this favourite area.

My diary, again typed out by Nick, is at the bottom of this posting, which I'll describe mainly by way of captions.

I based my route on part of the Crosses Walk, an annual 53 mile challenge walk across the Yorkshire Moors, taking in numerous ancient crosses that litter these moors. The walk was conceived in 1971. I'd moved to Manchester by then, otherwise I may well have participated. Malcolm Boyes wrote about the walk in  a Dalesman book published in 1974. A fascinating read. The walk has continued to be organised as an ultra marathon event, but the June 2020 event was cancelled due to Covid, and I can't find any information about a 2021 event, though self-guided options are available. 

Approaching Beck Hole

The view from Beck Hole bridge

Julian Park Farm

Pike Hill Moss, with Fylingdales

High Gill Beck

Daffodils at Glaisdale Head

At the head of Glaisdale

Botton Cross

White Cross, aka Fat Betty, situated at the meeting of three parish boundaries - 
Westerdale, Danby and Rosedale

Ralphs Cross East, aka 'Old Ralph', where there was (and still may be) a tradition of placing money on the top of the cross for needy travellers

Ralphs Cross West, aka 'Young Ralph', though it is the older of the two crosses

Dusk outside Blakey House - Lion Inn, formerly an ale house used by pannier traffic - processions of up to 40 ponies with panniers laden with moor coal for use at the lime works in Hutton-le-Hole

Breakfast at the head of Rosedale

Camping at the head of Rosedale

The old iron ore mines at Bank Top, Rosedale, that operated until 1885

Ana Cross (Ain Howe Cross) is a 19th century replacement, 
the top of the original cross being in Lastingham crypt

Leaving Lastingham

A cross at Spaunton, perhaps a memorial to Queen Victoria's Jubilee

The view through Low Cross at Appleton-le-Moors

The Oddfellows Arms at Appleton-le-Moors (a short diversion)

A view near Cropton

A view towards Farndale from near Cropton

Wheeldale Moor Roman Road

This is part of a road connecting the Roman fort at Malton with the coast at Whitby, It was probably used in late Roman times as a link with the signal stations on that coast. The large stones now visible formed the raised central foundation and were originally covered by a finer road surface, probably of gravel. (Or so the sign says.)

Wheeldale Moor Roman Road - the view south

I know this place well. In the middle distance is a spot where the Lyke Wake Walk crosses the minor road - a welcome support point before crossing the moor to Eller Beck and Fylingdales.

Wheeldale Lodge from the south

Returning to the outskirts of Goathland

Goathland beckons

Here's my approximate route - about 60 km (36 miles), with 1300 metres ascent.


Here's my relatively short contemporaneous diary entry:



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