Day 4: Richmond to Danby Whiske
Sarah: We woke to sulking grey skies, rain and an anticipated hike across suburbs, flatlands and an enormous motorway (the A1). So, instead, we went in style on the #55 bus for 15 minutes.
Getting off in tiny Bolton-on-Swale, we found the stunning, well cared for village church - guessing 14th Century. The trail was way marked and off we went through endless fields of sheep, cows and huge expanses of wheat, barley and meadow grass dancing under still sulky, pewter skies. Today had cameo appearances of the odd farmer, two or three of groups of hikers, including 3 local women who’ve been hiking together for 36 years. Most of the time, including long miles on a single track lane, the only sounds came from English birds of fields and hedgerows: wrens, yellowhammers, thrushes, robins and warblers.
We found our village for the night a bit early- so a wonderful chance to spend an hour in the 11 th C church yard. Inside a stunning yet simple church with Norman windows and font, to my great delight we discovered an altar, altar rail and vestry door made by The Mouseman’ of Kilburn, N. Yorkshire in the early 20th century. On each and every piece of furniture, he carved his trademark of a unique 2-3” mouse. He is world famous, but probably not quite in Lyons yet!
The village pub offered enough space and draft beers / ciders to please all. Turns out everyone in the place had been playing tag across fields & moors and up and over the Pennines for the last four days. 12 pairs of boots were airing outside - they’d got caught in a drenching downpour we had avoided only thanks to the 15 minute bus ride as we began this morning.
Sisters: 47 miles Blisters: 1.5 (but healing)
Thank you, Kirt from Utah, for your donation to the Lyons Library! Great to have dinner with your at the White Swan tonight!
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