Staithes

20/6/15

We were all set for the transporter ferry across the Tees in Middlesbrough as all the web site information suggested it was open to foot and cycle passengers. There are only 2 of these in the UK and, since our attempt to cross the other in South Wales was thwarted, we were excited about the experience.

A last minute phone call brought bad news that the gondola was being repaired and no crossings will be made for another week.

This resulted in the most appalling urban cycle journey yet. The additional 20km in the rain along busy dual carriage ways, housing estates with Sustrans signage rotated or stolen. It became a joke as the one track was so overgrown I considered resorting to the low-slung tactics adopted by John Wayne while fighting Apaches. This overgrown track around the prison then crossed a disused airstrip along the prison wall and eventually crossing on the Tees on the Barrage.

We eventually escaped the city and got back to the sea at Marske and Saltburn.

Entering the North York Moors national park brought appropriate weather however!

And hill climbing late in the day was hard but we got to Staithes and the sun came out. Our World War One barrack accomodation was fine and after a quick wash and brush-up we decended to the quaint cove enclosing old Staithes.

Great sea food and good beer in the Cod and Lobster made the world seem a better place. It was no surprise that Captain James Cook found inspiration for his sea voyages while working in this little village.