Wyke ways

We had a brisk eight-mile stroll along the clifftops and the old railway north of Scarborough yesterday, resuming where we left off a week or so ago.

There was persistent drizzle, but no heavy rain, so it was invigorating rather than misery-making.

After a slab of fruit cake for lunch in Cloughton Wyke car park, we climbed the cliff footpath and headed north, tackling some very slippery stone steps en route.

Hayburn Wyke and its nature reserve were soon reached, with very few other walkers encountered, then after about three miles of spectacular scenery, we turned inland along the permissive path from Petard Point.

After discovering that a watchful farm dog was more nervous about us that we were of him, we missed the short footpath from Plane Tree Cottage to the old railway line, we stuck to the surfaced track and soon joined the line at a bridge.

Three miles of easy walking followed, until we left the line at Newlands Lane, Cloughton and returned to our starting point, rather damp.

Maureen and I are both waiting with great anticipation for our new walking boots, Berghaus Pro Rush Mid XCRs, to arrive. At present, we're both using walking shoes that we bought from Cotton Traders a couple of years ago -- the inners of Maureen's have deteriorated badly, while mine aren't too kind on my toes after the first six or seven miles.

We've been getting lots of tips from an amazing, authoritative web site, http://v-g.me.uk/GearTech/GearTech-Footwear.htm