Even though it doesn't seem that long ago since I came back from our 'lads walking weekend' in the Lake District, our 2023 walk was here. This year a coastal path hike, arguably the easiest one we have done, or so it was expected to be!
I met Darrell at Dave's house and by a little after 10:30am on the Friday we were on our way up the M1. I offered to sit in the rear of Darrell's Evoque, but I soon regretted it as the legroom wasn't the best and it was a tad uncomfortable. But, it was only a little over 2 hours' drive so by 12:30pm we were at the 5-bedroom house we had booked and were unpacking. And a little after we arrived, Tony and Stuart were knocking at the door, so all five of us were there.
The fog was a little unexpected, but really added to the atmosphere so not too many complaints from me who does of course like to take a photo or two. That said, the weather was a little irrelevant as we spent from 2pm to 10pm in the pub! Now I am not much of a drinker, I can go months without any alcohol crossing my lips, but today I swilled down 8 pints and 4 Bacardi and cokes. This I would discover tomorrow was a mistake.
Although I had a few drinks, I just couldn't sleep overnight into Saturday, so at 5am I was having a shower, and 30 minutes later I took an early walk down into the town and onto the harbour. I spent around 90 minutes just enjoying the early morning, with the sunrise fighting to break through the cloud on the horizon.
After going back to the house, we went down for a large breakfast before setting off on our hike. And at 9:30am we were crossing the River Esk, over the swingbridge to the old town and ready to ascend the steps up to the abbey and then to the coastal path to Robin Hoods Bay.
The first few miles of the walk was okay, although as it was a scorching day it was not my ideal walking conditions. And it only got worse. The heat and probably the drink last night really took its toll on me, a walk I had done on numerous occasions in the past turned into a struggle for me. I was getting lightheaded and had to keep stopping and leaning on fence posts. I had plenty of fluid and was taking it on board, but it wasn't getting any easier.
By the time we had reached Ronin Hoods Bay, I didn't even want to talk. We didn't bother going down the hill to the beach, so just stayed at the pub at the top taking in fluids; no alcohol for me!
We got the bus back to Whitby and I was feeling nauseous, I kept wondering if I was going to have to get the driver to stop and let me off, but I managed to make it back.
That night was a steady one back at the house. England v Ukraine football followed by England v Argentina rugby, with a takeaway curry and a few drinks. I certainly slept that night.
That said, I was still up at 6 a.m. and out for another early walk, and now feeling refreshed. After getting back to the house and packing up the car, we headed down into the town for a full English, and then it was time to return back south.
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