Blakey Ridge to Glaisdale - August 15th

What a difference a day makes! Today dawned with a mixture of clouds and sun and ended up being perfect weather for our 9.75 mile walk. The route had some slight uphills, but was mainly downhill (hallelujah!). We made good time walking through heather covered moors and arrived at our lodging in Glaisdale by lunchtime. 

Glaisdale is a small, historic village situated on the banks of the River Esk. One of its main attractions is the 17th century Beggar’s Bridge, built by Glaisdale local Thomas Ferris. The legend behind the bridge is that Thomas, the son of a poor sheep farmer, was in love with Agnes Richardson, the squire’s daughter. Thomas knew Agnes’ father would never approve of their marrying due to his lack of wealth, so he determined to go to sea and make his fortune. The night before he was to set off, Thomas went to visit Agnes but was unable to wade across the Esk river due to heavy flooding. Thomas swore an oath that he would build a bridge in that very spot. He did go off and made his fortune in the Caribbean, returning to Glaisdale a wealthy man. He and Agnes were married, and Thomas used part of his fortune to have the bridge built as he had vowed. Whether or not this story is fact or fiction, it is a charming story.

View of the moors we were unable to appreciate
yesterday









View of the valley and, just barely discernible,
the North Sea beyond

Beggar's Bridge





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