Bimbling around Whitby

Good morning, just, it's nearly lunch time. I had a bit of a lay in this morning due to going to bed late last night. I though sod it, stop up all night if I feel like it, ha ha. Anyway, I've had a bit of a sort out of the photo's will put them up a few at a time as it takes ages to load them. First off, general photo's of Whitby.

There are two sides to Whitby, the East Bank which is where the hostel and Abbey are located, and the West Bank which has large hotels high up on the cliff top. The River Esk is in a deep valley between the two, spilling out into the North Sea. Close to the water on the East Bank is a maze of alleyways, narrow cobbled streets, and ancient buildings. Over on the West Bank is the fishing quay, which years ago would have been lined with fishing vessels three and four abreast. Whilst fishing still goes on it is on a much smaller scale. The two banks are connected by a swing bridge which lets vessels through to the marina and upper harbour.

This photo was taken near the top of the 199 steps. Dotted along the right hand side are benches built into the railings, where weary people can rest a while before continuing upwards. I will mention at this stage that the photo's were taken at different times of the day, hence the difference in lighing. You can walk along the two piers which form the harbour wall, I didn't because it was very blustery and cold.

At the bottom of the steps is a Tea Shop, a tall narrow building with four floors. Most of the buildings on this side have been crammed into a small space, even the modern ones.

Anyone fancy a bit of bovver, ha ha. Through that alleyway is the waters edge. If you fall out with someone you can chuck 'em in.

The swing bridge was opened in 1909.

There has been a lifeboat operating from here since 1802. A new lifeboat station was built in 2007.

I had a walk around the harbour, it's a lovely day, is it Spring already?

This is the view of the church looking across to the East Bank. The Abbey is behind it and the hostel next to it.

A view looking inland up the River Esk.

The harbour walls. Too cold to walk out there today.

It was almost 5pm when I climbed the steps back to the hostel.