Lyke Wake Walk Report

Lyke Wake Walk 1^st October 2011 by Steve Hutchinson

LWW Image reproduced from The New Lyke Wake Club - www.lykewake.org

 Little did we know when we set the date to do the walk that it would be in the middle of an Indian summer!  We had chosen and east to west crossing expecting to walk into a prevailing westerly wind and the possibility of rain.  As we approached the weekend all eyes were focused on the local and national weather forecasts and by Friday the signs were good.  Kit bags were reorganised. Out went the heavy waterproof equipment, spare flasks and fleeces, replaced by isotonic drinks, shorts ‘T-shirts and sun tan lotion, the only hats on show were sun caps. The gods were on our side, it was the most glorious day – warm, wall to wall sunshine and no wind.

 We set of just before 7am, there twelve walking and one supporting in a mini bus. The group included; Mark Edwards-Bill Pennell-Bref O’Rourke-Glyn West-Ian McPherson -Calum Macpherson- Bob Howe-Stuart Howe-Tom Ellerton-Ian Sheridan-Richie Clark- Steve Hutchinson and ably supported by John Wood in the mini bus.

 The first section was easy going and we soon arrived at our first stop Ellerbeck at 9.30 am, leaving 10 minutes later. As we were crossing the railway line near Fen bog were delighted to see a steam train on the North York Moors railway. From the railway crossing we soon climbed the 1½ miles to Simon Howe. As we approached Simon Howe we could see countless body’s on the horizon, they turned out to be competitors on the Saltergate Circuit.

 We arrived at Wheeldale road at 10.45 and after a short break crossed over Blue man in the Moss to the Hamer road. We arrived at 12.05 and left at 12.20, it was now very warm and we were later told the temperature had risen to a lofty height of 19⁰C.

 We expected wet conditions on the next section and got them, especially between Hamer and the George gaps causeway.  With everybody trying to steer clear of the bogs we were well strung out by the time we reached the road. We regrouped at White Cross (Fat Betty) arriving in dribs and drabs, the first getting there at 13.45. We had our longest break of 25 minutes but also had our first casualty, Calum had stubbornly been walking with a groin strain but sensibility prevailed and he decided to call it a day.

 The next section to Claybank has little ascent but it is a long and arduous trudge, it was a case of heads down. We arrived at 16.15 and still very warm it was here we had another casualty Stuart. Stuart had who had been suffering for a while with his knee had wisely decided to call it a day. It must have been a difficult decision so near the finish.  We took a long break of 35 minutes to ensure everyone was suitably refreshed for the final stretch.

 As we set off from Claybank there were a few grumbles about sore feet, aching muscles, and tiredness. But with the finish in site and a glorious evening we made light of the next section to Carlton Bank. We arrived at 18.05; the light was starting to fade so we pushed on quickly ensuring we had our head torches.

John, our reliable back up met us at Huthwaite for the last refreshment stop it was 19.05.  The light had all but evaporated so it was on with the head torches as we set of for Scarth Nick.  It was easy going until we reached the incline near Round Hill, it was the sting in the tail, and the climb seemed to go on forever!!  We arrived at Scarth Nick at 19.45 and pressed on quickly trying to get under 13 hour mark, but alas we failed by 5 minutes, we eventually got the stone at Sheep wash at 20.02  

 After the congratulations and handshakes Mark who had booked the mini bus and organised the event asked out loud “Which pub are we going to?”  There was a total silence; there was no response, no mutterings or suggestion, nothing.  He asked again, “Just in case you didn’t hear me I said which pub we are going to” again no response.

 “I’ll take that as no, I suppose you all want to go home” said Mark. At this suggestion everyone forgot their aches and pains, quickly throwing their bag in the back of the bus and making a dash for their seat. Silence is Golden!!

 We had a truly memorable day, thanks to Mark for organising it and many many thanks to John for his support. We have said many times before after the Lyke Wake ‘Never Again’ I think this time most of us meant it - or did we?    

THE END