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!
Life...one big adventure 
I always sulked on those heavy sky sort of days- a spoilt madam, me. Weird to see you walking those same trods, Mel, and sitting in the Lion Inn. I love those Moors. Cheers to you darlin xx
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I guess it is a bit of a novelty us, so definitely no sulking for us. We have loved the moody skies…And the Lion Inn!🍺
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A proper English pub. I hope you are getting some proper English grub too.
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Does a hot beef sandwich count? 😁
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Oh, yes! Even better is a Steak and Onion Sandwich made with crusty baguettes, steak strips, caramelised onions.
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Oh, yum! I’ll keep my eye out for that one!
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A baguette isn’t Yorkshire but very nice xx
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Classy Yorkshire, Jo??😉🤣😆🥖🥖🥐
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Biscoff – my favourite biscuit of all time 😀
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Hi Paul. I have actually been thinking of you as I have walked all these public footpaths and bridleways! I’ve been thinking we need Paul and his team on the job with the whipper snippers and secateurs!😊😅
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You’re right, my body isn’t always completely convinced that a hike should start first thing in the morning with a steep climb … but what a lovely hike you had on top of the moors. As for that beer – well deserved, I’d say!
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That beer went down a treat!😄🍺
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Well doesn’t it just figure that I’m on my own vacation (and thus away from the blogosphere) at pretty much the very same time you are on this trip? But what a fabulous trip you are on! Hopefully there’s more to come, now that I’m home.
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And I can’t wait to hear about your adventures too! I bet you have gathered a tonne of blog material. Write on MacDuff!
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What fantastic beer glasses. Did one of them make their way into your hiking bag?
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😅🤣 No. They definitely wouldn’t last the distance!
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Hi MelIâm following you along with my guide book.Lovely hiking eh!DavidSent from my iPhoneOn Jul 21, 2026,
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Yes, it is superb hiking, David! We have enjoyed the absolute best weather, views and company. 😁
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Beautiful landscapes, wonderful framing! I also like the rigorous data from the beginning. 🙂
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😊 thanks for your kind words.
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Grouse do make an unusual sound. Great that you got a picture too. The Lion pub looks fab.
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We are learning a lot about your fair country. 😊
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