Tuesday 14^th September

We started from the cross in the market square of Helmsley early afternoon with the weather looking decidedly unsettled, picture left shows us ready for the off, we did not have to walk far, about 100 yards, before it was necessary to put on the waterproofs, not an easy task when you have big walking boots on, so we did the usual one legged hopping rain dance before we were waterproof. Walking in waterproofs can be very warm if the sun comes out and yes the sun came out, and the waterproofs came off. This procedure was again repeated within the first hours walking. Brian suggested we get some waterproofs that are removed like the male strippers trousers, with Velcro fastening, the idea seemed to make sense at the time but when you are head down into a driving wind and rain is not the best time to make judgements. With our heads down we knew we needed to take a right fork, however we took our first wrong turning by following the road through Old Byland and rejoining the route at Cold Kirby. This detour missed the scenic route thro Nettledale but did not add any distance to our journey. The first of our stops for energy giving bananas and drinks was in Cold Kirby and a resident walking her dog tells us that it is a well named village, she has lived here for only a short time but says the winds can be very strong, it is not surprising as we are now very close to the top of Sutton Bank.  After passing the racing stables at Hambleton House, which are the highest training stables in Great Britain and one of the oldest, we arrive at the village of Hambleton where we are staying at Cote Faw our B & B for the night. On arrival we are told that another 2 walkers are having tea in the lounge so we have a shower, tidy ourselves up and introduce ourselves to the other couple. It transpires that they are both from Northampton, started out from Helmsley this morning and met each other for the first time on the walk, what a coincidence. He is late fifties an ex schoolteacher, and her early fifties whose parents live in Guisborough. He is taking 11 days to complete the walk while she is taking 13 days, we say with confidence that we propose to complete in 7 days. Don’t know how we can say that so confidently after only a half a days walking. More coincidences occur when the lady says she lived in Redcar (I had a shop in Redcar) and also ran the Angel Inn in Lymington, Hampshire. (where I lived for 14 years).

We go to the Hambleton Inn, only 100 yards away, for our evening meal and would heartily recommend it as we were given a warm welcome and a very good meal. Leaving the pub at 9-00pm it appears very dark outside, with no street lights and no torch, we rely on the lights from the occasional car headlights. Brian heads down the garden path of our B & B and we find the door locked, no problem  as we have a key, but our key will not go into the lock as their is a key on the other side, so we knock on the door, the door opens and I take one step forward to find a gentleman saying "can I help you", it turns out that we are at the wrong house and after profuse apologies we retreat and find our accommodation in the identical adjoining property. We are consoled by the fact that it has happened before. It's an early night to give us strength for our days ahead.

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