JOHN MERRILL'S NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS CHALLENGE WALK - 24 MILES, 2,000 FEET OF ASCENT

My story -

The North Yorkshire Moors have always been a favourite walking area of mine - simply because of their scenic variety of moorland and coastal walking.  The Cleveland Way was my first ofiicial long distance walk, more than ten years ago. Since then I have walked it 14 times as part of my training programmes for  my major walks.

Continuing my theme of Day Challenge Walks—others have been in
the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales—I began looking at the North Yorkshire Moors. My aim has simply been to encompass the scenic variety found in the National Park — moorlands, valleys and coastal walking. At the same time the walk is to be a challenge to complete within twelve hours, but within the capabilities of the
average person. There is no time limit and the route does make a very enjoyable weekend walk of 24 miles with 2,000 feet of ascent.

The route can be termed a ‘seaside bash’ or ‘to the ocean and back’. There is a sting in the tail, for as you head for the ocean at Robin Hood's Bay you are gradualing descending, leaving the return to the moorland an ascent. I had several forays in the area trying out different paths and routes before I finally decided upon this
route. In early October, I set off from Goathland to piece the whole route together. As I would be note taking on the way and since the daylight hours were reduced I planned a weekend circuit, with Robin Hood’s Bay as the overnight halt. I could not have chosen a better weekend. After weeks of rain, the sun came out and enriched the glorious scene. I set off in a fibre pile jacket but soon stripped to
T shirt and shorts in the warm autumn weather. The views were extensive and apart from a few walkers around May Beck, I had the countryside to myself. To me it was one of the most enjoyable weekend walks I had had for a long time

| can only hope that on your walk you have equally as fine weather, and savour the variety of moorland and coastal walking. To me the first sight of Whitby and later Robin Hood’s Bay were magical moments as I wove my way across the moorland and fields.

Have a good walk and let me know how you fared.

Special embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate are available from John Merrill.

A5. Placed in a wrap around plastic cover and signed by John Merrill.

Successful walkers are added to my Walkers Roll of Honour page.