Crossing Ol’ Blighty – the Coast to Coast Path, England – Day 14

Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Day: 14
From: Clay Bank Top/Great Broughton To: Blakey Ridge
Start Walking: 914am        End Walking: 1233pm
Distance (Planned): 14km Distance (Garmin): 14km
Progress: 255/306km
Ascent: 242m                         Descent: 88m
Weather: Grey, heavy cloud and overcast all day.
Stayed At: The Lion Inn

General Comments:
• Our driver very efficiently whisked us back to Clay Bank Top, giving us his potted history along the way and last minute advice. I think we could still be there chatting with him if we had given him half a chance.😁
• From there we picked up the trail where we left off yesterday and as per usual, it started with a stiff climb! My body hates it when that happens firs off and it would much prefer to still be sitting at the breakfast table sipping coffee.

• But UP was the order of the day and in reality, it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. It soon turned into a series of short ascents, before levelling out. And once again, we were on top of the glorious moors.
• It was a low light kind of day with a thick blanket of cloud. So, my apologies if my photos are a bit dark.

• The scenery was just as beautiful as yesterday in a very minimalist kind of way – neutral colours stretching over rolling hills and as far as the eye can see.
• We had fun looking out for, and listening for, grouse. They make the most amazing growling noise and for a second, we couldn’t work out where that noise was coming from. You learn something every day!
• A treat today was walking on the base of the old Ironstone Railway. It was a wide, clear and level track which got us to the pub much faster! 😅😅

Top Tips:
• Stages: Our itinerary split Ingleby Cross to Blakey Ridge into two stages and that worked perfectly fine for us. You could do it in one day, but it would be a biggun’!
• Services: None today along the trail, but know that a fine feed and a cold beer is waiting for you at The Lion Inn.

Cheers to you!