After months of wait and training (well a few walks around the Yorkshire Dales) Bro. Darrell Harris and W Bro. Nigel Ziff started a Coast to Coast (C2C) walk today (Monday 4th August). Starting on St.Bees beach in Cumbria and finishing on the beach at Robin Hoods Bay in North Yorkshire this will be a long-distance trek between the west and east coasts of Northern England, covering approximately 195 miles (310 km).
The route was originally devised by Alfred Wainwright passing through three contrasting national parks: the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park.
Wainwright’s original walk describes 12 stages, but as Bro Darrell is always looking for that extra challenge, the boys are planning to complete it in just 10 days. The BBC quotes one survey of experts which names the walk as the second best walk in the world. Darrell and Nigel will pass through a wide range of habitat from woodlands to moorland, hard rocky passes to limestone plateaus, peaty bog to sandy/shale beaches.
Tradition dictates that walkers should commence the route on St.Bees beach by getting ones feet wet and collecting a pebble. The walk should end in a similar fashion, by wetting the feet and depositing the pebble on the beach at Robin Hoods Bay.
There’s a day by day diary of the walk here.
Last year Darrell was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer and, after successful treatment, is now fully recovered. Because of this it was decided to put their walking skills (and alleged) fitness to the test and to raise funds jointly for Bowel Cancer UK and the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding Festival Appeal.
You can donate to these two nominated charities via their Go Fund Me page.
Epilogue
10 days of walking and, our intrepid walkers sent us this message;
The obvious question why ? Well foremost we wanted a challenge. Something to test our fitness, mental strength and hiking skills. Plus at the same time raise money both for Bowel Cancer UK in recognition of Darrells successful treatment and for the Masonic Charities Fund, who support so many different worthy causes.
The Coast to Coast tested everything. Our physical fitness, mental resolve, pain thresholds and determination. We overcame difficult weather conditions, steep climbs and descents, frightening windy ridges, long days and huge mileage. We suffered from trench foot, shin splints, blisters, swollen ankles, aches and pains. We were saddened to see litter, dead animals, no signage, dying crops, leaking footwear and closed amenities.
We were educated about rural life, sheep farming, national trails, Alfred Wainwright, history, geology and geography.
We walked through 3 National Parks, up rock faces, down steep trails, across moors, bogs, through fields of crops, woods, valleys, across railway lines, bridges and motorways, along river banks, coastal paths and beaches. Through stunning villages, farms. hamlets, small towns and caravan sites. (Apologies to the angry farmer for taking the wrong path).
We passed by historical monuments, buildings, cairns, statues, caves, ancient roads and even learnt about the legend of ‘Fat Betty’.
We stayed in youth hostels, a farm, several pubs, inns and B&Bs. We ate some great food and received great hospitality. Everywhere we went people enquired about the Coast-to-Coast and our walk. They were often surprised to learn we were crossing the country in only 10 days.
We saw our beautiful country in all its glory.
We owe thanks too many. To the two young lads at the start who were camping all the way; we hope the A-level results went to plan. To our farming Patterdale landlady, Heather, for explaining the problems of sheep farming in the Lake District. To Joel and his daughter (the Americans), who decided they would emigrate to the Lake District if Trump gets elected. To the Greyhound Inn for washing our clothes. To the lovely chatty Australian couple in Reeth. To the couple from Guisborough at Blakey Ridge who donated and were inspired by our efforts. To the couple from Orkney on their honeymoon, also walking the Coast-2-Coast.
To David and Rosemarie, Darrells’ parents, for supporting us on the way, looking after Darrells feet and helping with transport. To Bernard for making the effort to walk with us for a day.
To Jo and Leonie for your patience, support and putting up with our stubbornness, moans and allowing us the time and resources to complete the challenge.
To those of you who messaged us, some on a daily basis with your encouragement and interest. To all of you who donated. To date we have raised well over £5,000 for our two nominated charities. What a generous bunch you are!
Above all we hope our efforts inspire you. Too many of us selfishly take from our communities, environment, family and friends, without ever putting anything back. Be proactive and not reactive. Onwards to the next challenge.
Thank you all again for your encouragement, support, patience and generosity.
Nigel and Darrell
And as a reminder, you can still donate to these two nominated charities via their Go Fund Me page.
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