After deciding not to go to the Festival of Thrift, I checked the map to see where I might stop on the journey up to the North east, for a walk. Once off the A1 and the A19, it gets quite interesting around Stokesley area. A few miles further on is Great Ayton, with some elevation giving lovely views. I found some free parking and after a bite to eat I set off with my map. I went out of the village down Station Road. Opposite this house I crossed over the railway line at the station, and took a path heading towards the Captain Cook Monument.
I'm glad this path was dry, it must be terribly muddy after a downfall. The tree roots are exposed through thousands of boots passing by, creating a natural ladder to the top.
It wasn't long after that it started raining. No matter, get the brolly out. Over there is Roseberry Topping, another high point to aim for. Now it's drizzling the views are not as clear as they could be.
Onward I went into Ayton Banks Wood. It wasn't long before I came to a split in the path, and later realised I had taken the wrong turning. Now the rain was getting heavier and I wondered if I should cut the walk short.
By this time I thought I would head back, as I seem to be going round in a circle.
A lot of logging had been going on here, so I thought there has to be a way to get out onto the road.
Yep, I came out at Dykes Lane and headed back to the station. Oh dear, me getting a bit wet.
When I got back into the centre of Great Ayton the rain had stopped, so I had a little bimble around there because it was too early to carry on to Saltburn to the hotel. I picked up some food from the Co op for my picnic in the room. I popped into a very old church and a nice man told me a bit about the history of it. There is no lighting in the church, so they use candles, this looks lovely when they have the Christmas service. He said I was the only person he had seen, so I was pleased that I went in to have a look.
I'll wrap this up now, and post the next part tomorrow. A look at Saltburn.
Toodle pip
Your walk in the wood looks wondeful, those Dalias around that house look beautiful, and what an interesting path from the tree roots.
ReplyDeleteI love a visit to a church or cathedral always very interesting.
Looking forward to part two.x
Ilona, that has to be just about the cutest house I've ever seen. Looks like it came out of a fairytale!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't get all of the garden in, but it was full of plants and flowers.
DeleteLove the photo in the mirror. lol
ReplyDeleteI don't know why but I always feel compelled to take a picture like that.
DeleteWhat a lovely little house that is,and I bet it looks even cozier in the dark with the lights on and that lamp post just across from it.The tree roots do look like a ladder!.Its a shame that it rained but at least you had your brolly with you.Good thinking that with those logs being there that there must be a road near by.It must have been nice being able to get into the church as alot of the time these days they are locked with no body about to let you in.A sign of the times I suppose!.What did you have for your picnic in your room...I like to know these things!.I have made my self feel bloated with food today because as I mentioned earlier,we took my Mam out for a meal and it was a carvery...and my clothes managed to shrink while I was there,lol..so as soon as Ive got home,its pyjamas and dressing gown on.I think I will have a salad and water day tomorrow!Looking forward to seeing the next photos.xx
ReplyDeleteI had a small quiche, potato salad, a boiled egg which I took with me, crackers and cheese, and a chocolate cookie. Mostly junk I know.
DeleteI would have given up the festival for that walk as well. Rain or no. :)
ReplyDeleteThe reason I decided against it was that I read my post from three years ago, and there wasn't anything there that I wanted to see again. I have also been following it on Twitter, people were posting pics from Saturday, and there was nothing to interest me. There are a lot of events for children, fast food, singing and dancing and dressing up.
DeleteWhen I got to the hotel I mentioned it to the receptionist, she had been on the Saturday. She showed me two photographs of the queue's to get in, and said the prices to buy things were too expensive. Someone commented on Facebook that it was like a market. So I made the right decision.
Loved reading this, looking forward to part 2. x
ReplyDeleteThe Festival of thrift isn't what it used to be. We don't bother anymore.. I am glad you visited Great Ayton... It's practically on my doorstep...We could have picked you up and given you a lift back to Saltburn… Maybe next time :-)
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