Day 10: Reeth to Richmond (July 3, 2007)

Accommodation: Emmanuel Guest House, Richmond
Distance Walked: 10 1/2 miles

Remnants of the past - the ruins of Richmond Castle

How do I feel? The sun is out! I'm sitting on a bench inside the grounds of Richmond Castle, built by Alan the Red in 1071. Wow, Alan the Red walked these grounds. Who else has? How many great gatherings? It's like if you listen hard enough you can hear it. To be one of these stones.... Apparently Richmond and the surrounding area was given to Alan by his uncle, none other than William the Conqueror. The castle was built on the top of a hill to act as a lookout and protector from, once again, invading Scots from the north. But back to the walk:

Today my feet hurt. It's like they need a good long stretch out, almost like they are crunched up. They will pop around if I flex and stretch them. I just hope they aren't to bad for tomorrow. I think I'm hyping myself up to much for this 24 mile walk. Maybe that's good. Maybe it won't be as hard then.....

Once again, today we started off in full rain regalia, as when we woke up it was pouring out. Hilary House was nice, and we got to hear some of Del, the talking parrot, this morning. Ron, the man that we have seem to keep running into, was staying at the place too, and since we were all heading off at the same time, we ended up walking together. It started as another walk through the Swale Valley and then through some more muddy farmland. All this rain is turning everything into muck! We then went through towns of Marrick and Marske, walking through some woods up the Nun's stairs - named for the nuns who built them (375 steps) when they lived in the Priory nearby. They were slippery!!

up the nun's steps we go!

We then went up to Applegarth Scar where we ran into that couple with the packhorse woman. She just goes and goes! Today really was an off and on coat day, we would put them on and take them off and put them on. The weather gods just couldn't decide! Then, right after Applegarth Scar, we entered Whitecliff Wood which was perfect because the rain shower finally started to hit and these particular woods were so dense that the rain barely came through. The same could be said for the sky - it was dark! When we came out the rain had come and gone, the sky was blue, and we could see Richmond with the castle and its flag blowing in the wind. What a great site! My feet were really hurting and it was a blessing to get into town, although Steddy once again led us astray and put our B & B in the wrong place. So instead we went to a library and used the Internet for an hour, mailed out another mass e-mail, and got directions to the Emmanuel Guest House. We got there just as they were pulling in (2:30) and settled in our room.

Exiting Whitcliff Woods to a view of Richmond

Let me take this time to give you a run down of settling in. We toss our bags on the ground, take off our shoes, and flop onto the bed. Then muster energy to get up, make some English tea (which I have now acquired quite the taste for), and take a shower. Once refreshed, we do more walking around the town. It's funny because even though I tend to do a lot of walking around the towns, it doesn't seem the same as "doing the walk." Never mind I just walked 15 miles. That little "settling in" in the room seems to refresh me enough to get out and explore some more!

View of Richmond and surrounding
countryside from the castle

So here I am now just exploring the castle and the market before meeting Breanne for some Thai food! Lets see how English Thai compares to American! (note: it was different but still good) Just had a stroll down to the Grey Friars Tower, a part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1258. The tower itself was built around 1500. History history!! Also, I just saw a bus full of kids with the driver blaring opera. Funny! Tomorrow: The big day!










MORE PHOTOS FROM DAY 10!