06/05/21 - Whitby to Runswick Bay

Distance - 9 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Whilst in Whitby, an article in the Times heralded Runswick Bay as one of the best beaches in Britain.  Its 9 Miles away and there is a good bus service.  

A plan was formed.

We leave the cottage and head into Whitby, with Guide Dog in Training Abi only mildly annoyed that she is not allowed on the beach after May 1st.  This changes the closer we get to Sandsend, which also contains a cafe.  Mid(ish) walk break for Cherry Bakewell and a Sausage Bap.

Whitby Landmarks

Abi - before she starts work next week

Some mildly disturbing news in that the first X4 bus I see heading back to Whitby has "Bus Full" on the digital display.  I keep this news to myself, in case it upsets the troops. With a diversion on the Cleveland Way due to a landslip, we've already got a lung burster of a climb to the cliff tops.

Abi with the hard work done

With that done, its all plain sailing. Every year, I announce walk of the year early and this, I declare walk of 2021.  Its a stunning walk with great views and also a significant one.  With this, the last day of the holiday, and Abi going into proper training on Monday, this is likely to be our last big walk with her.

What a companion through lock down she has been.

The arrival at Runswick Bay could not be any more spectacular.  A thin path through a gorge down to the beach, with the final metres completed on a stream bed as the water canyons it's way to the beach.

First glimpses of Runswick Bay

Canyon-esque access to the beach

Its then across the beach, try and find a pint and work out the bus timetable.  Its the Cliffemount Hotel that's the only one open at 2pm and although its another unwelcome climb, the views from their beer garden could not be beaten.

Its San Miguel's all round, as we watch a nasty black cloud come over.  With the 30min schedule of the bus determined, its a question of whether we can finish our pint and get to the stop before the rain comes.

We did.

It snowed.

Calm before the Snow