Cleveland Way - Day 7

Scarborough to Filey - 8 Miles

We had camped wild last night and we woke very early so we could be away before anybody could object and also I wanted to get to Filey in time for me to catch my train. It was a cold windy morning but it had been a beautiful location with the moon over the sea last night and a sunrise over the sea this morning.

Cornelian Bay from White Nab

We ate breakfast and packed quickly and made a token gesture of drying the tents

Monty on Lookout 

After packing we set-off in the direction of Filey. A strange feeling descending over our group, six days ago I had never met Gary & Dean or Monty now it seemed strange rushing to get to Filey so that we could all go our separate ways, the adventure was nearly over.

The CW makes a small detour inland after White Nab and joins the main road before returning to the coast at Cayton Bay. My old guide book by Bill Cowley says "unless the sky and sea are very blue this gentle stroll will be something of an anti-climax after all that has gone before" 

The sea and sky were an unbelievable blue and the walk certainly wasn't an anti-climax, I just couldn't put my camera down.

First View of Cayton Bay

Early morning walker on the beach

Pill Box at Cayton Bay

In 1940 the 1.1/2 miles of Cayton Bay were considered to be a 'dangerous beach' and vulnerable to enemy attack, so Pillboxes were built to defend the coast. The main fear was that the Germans would attack the bay using special mountain troops to scale the cliffs, and combined with airborne troops, form a bridgehead to attack the port of Scarborough from the rear. No invasion occurred and the pillboxes have just about survived 70 years of battering by the North Sea.

Osgodby Point with Scarborough in the distance

Cayton Bay

Scarborough 'Blue'

Certainly the blues were beautiful this morning enhanced by a slight haze and complemented by the soft morning light.

I just couldn't stop taking photographs and was falling further and further behind Gary & Dean.

Lebberston Cliff and Cayton Bay

Eventually it was time to turn my back on Cayton Bay and concentrate on catching up. After rounding Yons Nab, Gristhorpe Cliff and Filey Brigg beyond come into view.

there are plenty of warning signs to indicate the perils of getting to close to the cliff edge. The little figures clearly depicting what happens if the warnings are ignored.

and with Filey Brigg looming large the end was close.

Looking back at Cunstone Nab

Cunstone Nab

and the first view across the fields of Filey

and the last view back along the CW with Scarborough still in the distance.

well there was no brass band or civic reception, just some flowers, but we had made it 

we arrived at a footpath sign that said Helmsley 109 miles and took this to be the finish post, various poses were photographed to mark the occasion. 

After swapping cameras and poses we shook hands and congratulated ourselves on completing the CW. We walked on a little bit further only to find a more elaborate start/finsh point and thankfully a passer-by to take a group shot.

Journeys End and a good time was had by all!

Before hooking up with me Gary and Dean had never intended to walk the CW in 6 Days, however Dean had to put his spin on it "how two fat blokes dragged me round to make my goal achievable" ha! ha!

We drifted into Filey, Gary and I to get trains

but Dean & Monty had other plans and were about to part company with us and strike out across the beach to their caravan, a mere 26 miles further on!!!

On the walk into Filey I was still taking photos, the light was beautiful.

Gary and I made our way to the train station, picking up some hot pies along the way. I arrived at the station with 10 minutes to spare, to catch the train I had planned to catch when setting off 109 miles and 6 days ago. Gary unfortunately had 2 hours to wait so we said our final goodbyes and promised to do another long distance walk again one day - watch this space!


Footnote: Dean at about mile 25 and with 10 more miles still to go sent us a selfie.

Dean the Machine