We arrived in London from Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon.  Traffic was mad – we got stuck in a heavy slow-moving traffic in Hyde Park getting to South Kensington from Kings Cross.  But the apartment is great – tiny, with an interesting staircase up to the sleeping area (see below) but very functional.  There’s even art on the ceiling!

So tonight, after spending a wet day safely inside the dry of the Victoria and Albert Museum (all kinds of decorative arts – I loved it and John was along for the ride – including the shoe exhibition!), we are having some fresh pasta and wine at home.

   

   

  

After a couple of days with Liz and Ray in Dollar, we headed off to Elderslie to see Jeanette and Andrew.  As Elderslie is only two train stops (about 15 minutes) from Glasgow, we  headed off into the city for some sightseeing.  

Firstly, we went to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.   They’ve done a good job presenting Scottish art and design, some lovely impressionist paintings and random objects from around what was then the empire.  And there’s a marvellous Dali painting of Christ on the Cross. 

After a morning there, we walked down Sauchiehall Street and into the shopping area of central Glasgow, admiring the architecture.  Unlike Edinburgh New Town, Glasgow isn’t coherently one style, but as it was the ‘second city’ of the British Empire, it has some marvellous Victorian buildings which have been cleaned up and restored.

The next day was Saturday, and so along with what seemed to be the rest of Glasgow, we went shopping!   Had a  great morning checking out the shops, and some fun people watching over lunch as a wedding party assembled (see the piper below) in the bar where we were having lunch (prior to heading next door for the event) and we mingled in George Square with the rally for the first anniversary of the referendum vote on independence.  It seems fair to say that issue is not over in Scotland.   As well as ‘Yes’ supporters, all the fringe  political groups were there: socialists, anarchists, communists, protesters against austerity, as well there  being as rides for the kids, music and stand-up comedians. 

Below are a few shots from over the two days: Kelvin Grove Art Museum, outside and inside, shopping on Buchanan Street, the Gallery of Modern  Art, the Rally,the wedding piper.

  
    
    
   

   
   

While we were with Liz and Ray in Dollar, Liz suggested we go and see The Kelpies, the newest ‘attraction’ near Falkirk, about half an hour from Dollar. 

They are amazing: 30 metres high (a distraction as you drive along the motorway!), built of steel.  The story is that they represent the horse’s role in agriculture and industry in Scotland, and the kelpies name reflects mythical transforming beasts with the strength and endurance of 10 horses.  They are placed in a new park next to the Forth and Clyde Canal. So new the visitors centre is still being finished.  

   

   
 

The final dinner was at the Victoria Hotel in RHB: a slightly Fawlty Towers establishment, but the food was good even if the arrangements were a bit chaotic.  So it was last ales all round, speeches and thank yous, and a well-earned gift for Dave the guide who got us all here with good humour and encouragement.

Pete, our yorkshireman, thanking Dave
  

 Straggling up the climb out of Grosmont.  
The bleak road across the first moor.

  That’s Whitby in the distance…it stayed there a while!  
The coffee stop at Falling Fosse.

 Getting there!

  
And there’s Whitby…still!

 A bit closer…the tall building is the Abbey.

   The North Sea!

 The last sheep photo!   

Descending down to Robin Hoods Bay.

  Here we are…191 miles on😀  
MADE IT!

   

The final day, a moderate walk of 15 miles with a steep climb out of Grosmont to start!

The climb out of Grosmont was along a 1 in 3 road but luckily it got slightly less steep after a while, but we huffed and puffed up it for a mile and a half.

Then it was across much poorer quality moor (we can tell the difference now thanks to Dave!), across the road to Whitby, and across mor moorland until we descended into a wood at Littlebeck.  Lovely coffee stop, and we shared a cream scone and carrot cake.  Then through more woods and onto yet another moor…this one a bit boggy in places.  

Eventually a late lunch stop.  Dave’s favourite sheltered stop sheltered by some gorse had been cut so we were on a road verge beside some blackberry bushes.  Pushed on to Hawsker, past fields where grain was being harvested.

Then we turned for the sea, descending to the coast path through a caravan park.  While it was a bright, hazy day not sure about the idea of a beach holiday on the Yorkshire coast!

Then the final 3 miles – along the cliffs with the sea on our left – just like the first day at St Bees.  A steep descent through the village – which was full of day trippers.

After photos at the Bay Hotel, signing the Coast to Coast book and a celebratory drink it was off to the B&B to get ready for dinner.

Photos and more to come.

Warming up outside the Lion Inn: let’s get going!   
Posing with Fat Betty…

 Our shooting hut stop on the moors.

   
Fabulous view!  I think this was Great Fryupdale.

 On the Beggars Bridge at Glaisdale.

   
The Egton shooting estate house.  The road from Egton to Grosmont was a private old toll road across the estate.

   
The historic steam engine at Grosmont.  The village is famous for its historic steam railway and is much visited by ‘soothes’ – steam train enthusiasts.

A 15 mile long moderate day, after the big day yesterday.

Started out along the road from the Lion Inn.  Most of us were feeling the effects of the long day yesterday.  Staff at the Inn seemed none too happy about the slightly early Breakfast start!  First stop was ‘Fat Betty’ to leave the traditional sweet treat and a group photo. No one quite knows what or why she’s there but it’s a C2C tradition to leave an offering.

Then it was a walk across more moor land,  blooming heather and past more shooting huts and grouse. The walking was pretty pleasant, and although it was a bit breezy it was also mostly sunny.  Brief stop at a shooting hut, then further on across a track across more moor.  Eventually descended into Glaisdale, a pleasant little village, with a stop at the pub for coffee and to eat our lunch.  Some of the group visited the butcher for a pork pie.  Sherpa Van man (one of the C2C baggage transfer companies) offered me a lift after he saw me hobble into the pub – have been walking with bad heel blisters for a couple of days – I refused!  Too close to give up now!!!

After Glaisdale, second group photo of the day at the Beggars Bridge, then onwards on a pleasant path from Egton to Grosmont, and our stop at a very nice B&B.  Arrived early enough for me to visit the steam engine shed and the station.  Yet another pub meal, where other walkers we’ve passed along the way were also having a pint and dinner.  One more day to go!!

Photos to come.

We set off up a woodland path…   
…to the Cleveland Way path…

 …good views over the Vale of Mowbray – where we walked yesterday.

   
And then there was up and over the moors…

 …with views down to Teeside.

   
A rest stop with real toilets and coffee at Lordstones.

 And then the long haul to the Lion Inn…

   
 And finally the Lion Inn

  And along the way a posing grouse.