Terry Smith's Photo Walks

Today's Walk 21st July 2008: Saltburn-by-the-Sea (GR667215) to Runswick Bay (GR808163), 12.5 miles with 1,425
feet of ascent.

Map: Explorer OL26 North York Moors, Western Area & Explorer OL27 North York Moors, Eastern Area.

Weather: A dull, overcast and cool morning turning into a very pleasant, clear and warm afternoon.

Christopher finds us a good spot to sit for our lunch. Good weather, a cracking view and ham & pease pudding sandwiches.
Culinary heaven...and just in case you are interested in this low fat, high in fibre north eastern England favourite here's a
pease pudding recipe.

The large shed like buildings seen in the photo above are part of the steelworks at Skinningrove.

Just about at the top of Boulby cliffs when I spot a couple of ships off the coast, heading north to Teesmouth. At 203 metres high
(666 feet), Boulby cliffs are the highest on the east coast.

The path down off Boulby cliffs between bracken. Ahead is Boulby Grange and further ahead is the village of Staithes where
we're looking forward to a refreshing cool drink. Over to the right off the photograph is Boulby mine. It is the only
commercial potash mine in the U.K., developed in the 1960's by I.C.I. and now owned by a susidary of Israel Chemicals!
Mining is at almost three quarters of a mile below the surface and stretches over four miles out to sea. A deep mine, possibly
the deepest in Europe. Here's a link to some photos.

The houses we pass on our way into Staithes have their backs right up against a cliff face, so as I recall this is actually a part
of someones garden.

The rooftops of the seaside village of Staithes all huddled together as if for protection against the wind and rain
that sometimes drive in from the north sea. But not today for now the weather is glorious.

I have walked many times in the Cleveland hills and along this coastline passing by disused mine workings and quarries along the
way. However walking on several consecutive days as I have on this trip has made me realise how extensive these man made
workings really are. It seems at almost every turn that man has been there before you armed with a pick and shovel. Certainly
doesn't spoil the beauty of the area though.

There's a timeless charm about the main street in Staithes. (GR782188) If you followed the link you may have seen
reference to a book about Staithes by my school Geography teacher, Peter Eccleston. Doubtless having taught such
an interested (and some may say interesting) pupil spurred him on to new heights.

The tide is out and what's left of the fishing fleet is left high and dry next to the breakwater. The breakwater isn't pretty but
it is pretty effective. At least the pub on the waterside hasn't been washed away since it was put in place.

This is an artists impression of what would have been a typical daily scene. The wifes of the fishermen used to help pull the
boats in when they returned after a day's fishing. Notice the traditional bonnets the women are wearing. I remember them
still being worn, often by women selling freshly dressed local crab at their front doors. I've read recently that they can still be
seen being worn on special occasions, however I haven't witnessed them on my visits and I doubt young women would find
it 'cool' being seen wearing them! Here's a video of Vin Garbutt singing a song the 'Streets of Staithes' and how things have
changed since the heyday of the local fishing industry.

...but climb it we do and the splendid views continue. Soon enough we will be arriving at Runswick Bay (GR807162) where we are
to spend the night at the Runswick Bay Hotel. At the end of the trip Christopher was to declare that their cooked breakfast was
the best he'd had during the whole walk. See my Links for contact details.