I have been waiting all week to feel well enough to run this route. Storm Francis hit yesterday and was still milling around this morning but I was not going to let something like 40mph winds put me off. Besides, the dog needed a good walk.
We are staying in Staintondale, it’s a tiny village on the North Yorkshire Moors and a stone’s throw from the Cinder Track and Cleveland Way.
From our house I was able to get on to the Cinder Track within 1km of road running. I took this to Ravenscar - the town that never was - then got on to the Cleveland Way and descended to Boggle Hole and then Robin Hoods Bay. 10km done ✅ It’s busy here AND there’s a huge steep climb so I used the opportunity to walk for a km and eat a Snickers :)
From Robin Hoods Bay I got back on to the footpaths along the cliffs and got hit by the full force of the weather. There was no hiding from it up here and for about half an hour it was an uphill, windy struggle.
But then the sun came out, the wind died down a bit and it was just so enjoyable. The trail was busy with hikers and I did have to pull over a few times but the break was nice. There were plenty of steep hills and slippy steps where I had no choice but to walk. This was far from my usual pace but that made it all the more enjoyable, I could have gone on for miles and miles.
Finally reached Whitby abbey and was greeted by my family with sandwiches and coffee. Brilliant trail for running. Unfortunately my Garmin was not impressed and said my run (with 1400ft of climbs) was unproductive. Thanks mate!
