Day 3: Danby to Marton
We start down in Eskdale. The Esk flows to the east, but we need to head to the west, so it's going to be another hilly day, and a longer day than yesterday too. But a magnificent walking day taking in Roseberry Topping - one of those hills which really stands out! This is a "day of three thirds". In part one, we cross moorland to the remote village of Kildale where we have a prayer stop and the opportunities to pay visits to the tea shop and the public WCs at the railway station. In part 2 we take in the viewpoints at Captain Cook's Monument and Roseberry Topping, descending steeply to a late lunch and prayer stop in Newton under Roseberry. I would say that by comparison part 3 was "a stroll in the park" but we have left the National Park now: it is free from hills, across farmland and into the suburbs of Middlesbrough, where we find the cathedral church of the RC Diocese of Middlesbrough for our main service of the day. After a further mile, we reach Marton and stay in the hall of the church where Captain Cook was baptised. Now there is somebody else who undertook great journeys.
After the toaster caused the fire alarm to go off, it was banished to the car park.
The sandwiches are grabbed.
As Mike was frontmarking, today it was "Dan the Van"
So, after prayers, we set off. Catherine demonstrates the elegant way to cross a stile.
It was soon quite wild moorland.
Caroline and Joan lead the pack
"All we like sheep have gone astray"
A rainbow (ending on the drinks car) promised rain...
...which soon came and sent the cameras away. But we crossed moorland of purple heather...
..until we reached a cafe where many took refreshment, inside...
...or out.
Isaac leads the back markers in
Down past the station...
...to the church of St Cuthbert, where Monica led the reflection.
Across more wonderful blooming heather...
...to Captain Cooks Memorial, where Lucinda counted her toes.
From the monument, towards Roseberry Topping.
Great clouds, but no more rain.
After drinks, a steady climb.
...then a descent before the final ascent to Roseberry Topping.
Weather better now.
View over Redcar - ICI and British Steel my local contact said (for British Steel read Corus, and the plant is facing imminent closure).
Looking back
Marker on the ascent
Tineke is still going.
Resting on the summit.
The way down.
Gill descends steadily.
Roger and Mary use the new steps!
Louise and John sense the pub is close.
Maurice and Ceri arrive
Sue and her ice cream
Caroline does Pilates
A convivial gathering
Sarah leads the p.m. prayers
Stepping stones hidden in the reeds
Heading north again (or rather west at this stage)
Skirting around the conurbation we reach Middlesborough RC Cathedral
Last few yards
Helen said she wanted a 4 poster bed with curtains - she got one
and liked it
