Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top - August 13th

Today was one grueling hike and not for the faint of heart! Our entire 12-mile route today wound up, over and down five steep moors (although it felt like we were climbing mountains at times) for a total elevation gain of 3,120 feet.

We are now fully immersed in the North Yorkshire moors, which are brilliant with blooming purple heather. The pictures posted here don’t do the landscape justice. It was hard to take our eyes off the scenery, but much of the trail demanded our undivided attention. 

The first ascent and descent of the day (Scarth Wood Moor) was like hiking in Forest Park: tree shaded dirt paths with a steady uphill climb, but nothing too strenuous. The second ascent (Live Moor) was almost 1,000 feet over 2 miles of stone and rocks, but it was the descent that was a killer, with a grade that was almost vertical at times. The third ascent and descent (Carlton Moor) wasn't as long as Live Moor, but even steeper. At times as I was picking my way downhill, I thought I might topple forward. Thank goodness for my hiking poles. The fourth and fifth hills (Cringle Moor and Hasty Bank) were similar, although we did have to do some rock scrambling through the Wainstones on Hasty Bank. 

Once we ascended each moor, we had some nice ridgeline walking with panoramic valley views. The weather was clear enough we even caught our first glimpse of the North Sea, our final destination. We now have 38 miles to go!

Atop Scarth Wood Moor with our first scenic
view of the heather on Live Moor









Stopping to admire the forest view
before climbing our next moor
Heading up Live Moor

One of many heather lined paths

View of the Wainstones on the right. The path veered
around, disappeared and we were then left to
scramble up through these rocks


Beginning our final descent from Hasty Bank












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