Sadly we had come to the final day of our Northumbrian odyssey. Also sadly, it was chucking it down when we woke up. I dodged the drops to take Misty down the lane, and to visit the local butchers. It is a local shop for local people! I did manage to acquire the makings of bacon butties though.
We chilled, ate bacon, and did some Richard Osman quizzes, while the rain poured down. But then, around noon, it stopped, so we decided to risk the walk to Runswick bay. We headed for Port Mulgrave once again but turned right this time along the Cleveland Way. From this direction we could see all the tin huts in the bottom of the bay.
Looking back toward Port Mulgrave
It wasn’t raining, but it was pretty windy up on those cliff tops. Definitely hat weather! There were also some stunning views, with the sea a lot choppier than yesterday. We ploughed on until Ian spotted a problem in the distance. Yes you guessed it!
Tricky
However, we needn’t have worried. Misty Mark 2, or adventure dog as we like to call her, skipped up those steps like Fred Astaire.
Come on mum!
We took our time, taking in the views as we went, resting when able.
A convenient bench
The skies looked threatening the whole way, but it stayed dry. It was lovely. We also only saw two people the whole time.
Eventually we dropped down a (very) steep path into Runswick Bay. I have never been here in my life before. The beach is fabulous, I can understand why so many people love it. Misty wanted to play ball, but the waves put her off going in the sea. She’s not THAT adventurous yet.
Runswick Bay Boats
The town itself is very small, and very sadly, the one cafe is closed on a Monday. Very happily, the one pub, The Royal Hotel, is open and serves food on a Monday. And is dog friendly, with a roaring fire. We had some lunch and lingered for a while.
Hunters chicken
Scampi!
View from The Royal
There were only two more parties in there, one of which was from Stockbridge! Small world.
A bit later, and absolutely stuffed, we attempted the hike back up the hill. It took me a lot longer than going down. It’s only a mile from Runswick to Hinderwell by road, so we took the easy way back to Dame Shirley, dragging Misty all the way. We’ve walked her legs off this holiday. We rested a bit, then Ian decided on a run! He ran the same way we had walked, but didn’t go down the hill into Runswick. I fed Misty and took her down the lane. Just as I returned, so did the rain. Big fat dollops of rain. Poor Ian!
Last sunset
After Ian had showered we settled in to watch the football and eat cheese on toast. I escaped to bed leaving Ian to take Misty out in the pouring rain. He’s used to it!
Very sadly we will be returning home tomorrow, but in the immortal words of the snake Paul Warne, ‘we have loved every minute of it.’
Nature watch
Ian saw a shrew scuttling across the path
Guillemot
Huge giant dragonfly
Neighbour watch
The drunkards next door unzipped their awning, leaving it in situ, and went off for the day. As Ian and I were sipping coffee they returned and attempted to reverse into the same place they had left. It was like watching a car crash. After about eight attempts I had to restrain Ian from going to park it for them. In the end they moved the awning.
Strava watch
I have discovered a new button on Strava
Normal view
Secret button view
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