Day 9 - Reeth to Richmond

On this section of the Coast To Coast Walk the "Intrepid Trio" are heading for Richmond, the largest town along the whole route.  It's steeped in history with a Norman castle, lots of quaint old buildings and narrow alleyways.

Richmond is situated on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  From here on, the walkers enter the Vale of York, or more correctly, the Vale of Mowbray.  This is a stretch of low level land, barely rising above 300ft above sea level, between the high grounds of the Dales National Park and the North York Moors National Park.  They should find the walking much easier over the next couple of days.  Even this stretch between Reeth and Richmond is not too taxing.

Again they will follow the course of the River Swale which is gradually getting bigger from the many tributaries joining it.  "Swale" is Old English and means fast flowing. It's well named, as it is reputed to be the fastest flowing river in England.  Eventually it will join the River Ure which flows through Wensleydale, then on to the River Ouse and eventually to the sea in the Humber Estuary.

An early morning photo of the view over Reeth shows the heat haze which promises another hot day. We've been so lucky with the weather staying fine and dry.  Goodness knows how the walkers would be at this stage if it had been raining for most of the time. Not only wet, but despondent too, no doubt! :-

Here's a photo of the Black Bull Hotel before the tourists arrive in their weekend droves. :-

 

Here's a couple of early arrivals! :-

The first point of interest for our walkers, not too far out of Reeth, is Marrick Priory.  This was established in the 12th century and was occupied by Benedictine nuns until Henry VIII came along with his Dissolution of the Monasteries.  History buffs should know all about this, others please try Google!  Only the tower remains of the original buildings :-

The walkers passed through Abbey Farm where sheep shearing was in progress. :-

Next for shaving! :-

The path passes through a small wood on the way to Richmond.  The nuns must have travelled along it frequently to get to and from the town.  To make their journey easier they built steps up through the wood, all 375 of them!  If you look closely you can see Joe emerging at the top. :-

A daily episode is not complete without one of Joe's bridges!  This is at Marske. :-

It's definitely easier walking here!:-

A change from a stone bridge.  Here's a wooden one!  Quite appropriate this one.....on the handrail at the back of Paddy, sorry I meant Patrick, is carved PADDY'S BRIDGE. :-

You might just be able to make it out. :-

Cairns like this are usually found on higher ground.  Or was it built by bored local youths with nothing to do?

A happy couple of guys here!  You can tell by their smiles the going is less stressful. :-

Or is it something in the water?  What's in those bottles guys? :-

England's green and pleasant land!  But it's in Yorkshire did I hear you say?

Richmond Castle Keep is prominent over the town in the distance. :-

The town boundary reached. :-

Big smiles all round at where we are staying.......except the brewery closed many years ago! :-

It's a very nice town Richmond and well worth a visit.  An early evening stroll shows it up well.  This is The Obelisk and Holy Trinity Church in The Market Square. :-

Had a good day Joe? :-

THE SMILE SAYS IT ALL!

OR IS IT BECAUSE THERE'S A DAY OF REST TOMORROW?