We once again awoke to a beautiful morning. The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the azure sky. We took breakfast in the pub after breaking camp and joined Barry, Laura, Jason, Rachel and Merlin to start our days walk.

Wainwright's suggested route for the day was a 12mile hike to Clay Bank Top along the cleveland way. But in order to make Robin Hood's Bay by Monday we were going to go further. Barry and Laura had the same idea so we planned to wild camp on the moors a few miles past Wainwrights finish. Rachel and Jason had already booked accommodation so were leaving us at the 12 mile point.

As we set off from the pub, a familiar person charging forth with two sticks was spotted... Brother Foot! Despite the sore feet and many blisters he was determined to make the finish. Although if this challenge was being undertaken under the rules of atheletics by now he would fail any drugs test.

We set off towards Beacon Hill and soon began climbing its shady, gravelled forest tracks to it's summit. The walking was upwards but easy and it was enjoyable to be part of a large group chatting and telling jokes and stories.

We dropped back down to a road before climbing back up onto Scugdale, Live Moor, Carlton Moor and up on to Cringle End. The views were vast and stunning, looking down onto the plains to the North and Teesside, the patchwork of fields of green and bright yellow contrasting with the heavy industry of the cities. The hills of the North York Moors National park stretched out to every other direction.

We stopped at a cafe for some lunch before reaching the 12 mile mark and saying our good byes to Merlin, Jason and Rachel. Barry, Laura, Ruth and I then headed up on to the next moor.

Once on top of the vast unsheltered moor the easterly wind hit us hard. It was powerful and unrelenting, blowing us off course with it's stronger gusts.

We aimed to find somewhere to camp that was flat and sheltered from the wind but after an hour of two it was beginning to look doubtful we would find anywhere. Any flat sections were either Heather or marsh and any dry grass sections were too steep. After stopping for a short break and to check the map for potential camps we realised we were only 5 miles from Wainwright's next suggested stop, the Lion Inn at Blakey. It was still early with plenty if daylight left so we decided to push for the pub.

The going was easy along a disused railway, but the wind was making it hard work and our feet were still hurting from the previous long day on Tarmac.

After what felt like a long time the pub came into sight. Perched on-top a remote ridge line, no other signs of civilisation for miles around. It was a welcome sight after another long day but it seemed to take an age before we actually reached the place.

Our next challenge was putting up the tent in the constant gale on hard ground. A number of other tents were already set up, being pummelled by the wind, despite the shelter of a dry stone wall. Once up, without too much struggle, our tent stood up well to the wind. We headed indoors for food, beer and warmth.

Barry and Laura were being picked up to go to Barry's family home a few miles away. We wished them well for the rest of their trip and exchanged email addresses.

After dinner, we shuffled out into the cold to find our tent in the dark.

The wind had not relented and the flapping of the fly sheet made a deafening din inside the tent. Despite being warm we were unable to sleep as the wind continued battering the tent throughout the night..

Mum 9Rosemary) Where is Brother Phone?!! Well done you two!! Milk, bread and cheese on the doorstep, as one of the girls must have the key.

May 2, 2011

Dad I envy you two. I really do! I've just said to mum that we'll do the same walk soon. She sort of just looked at me. Need to work on the idea. It's been windy here which didn't suit arnold on his walk this morning. Used two s*** bags in the first 50 yards. Looking forward to seeing you both tomorrow? Well done. It sounded great. And superb diary entries - as somebody as already said, you can almost smell the sheep crap and all that stuff!

May 2, 2011