Glaisdale to Robin Hoods Bay, Final Day - 20 miles

I did it! I did it! I did it!. That's all that keeps going round in my head!
I feel so proud of myself! For doing something that I have wanted to do for so long, for overcoming the challenges, and there were some! And for doing something that Nobody can take away from me!
The day started early - too early - I didn't sleep a wink properly in that mausoleum!. It really was the creepiest place on earth. It was a 17th Century farm house, and furnished like it too! there were three clocks going. One sounded like the tortuous dripping tap. One chimed every hour and the other a fast irritating tick. Not to mention the creepy dolls she had on display and the portraits, you know the ones. The eyes follow you everywhere. They should have paid me to stay there!
Anyway I was sure glad to leave! So I walked down through the village, very mixed emotions. Glad that I had nearly done, but sad that this would be the end too!
First stop was Beggars Bridge, where a poor beggar built it to impress the father of his true love! A lovely walk then through a forest trail, through the lovely village of Egton Bridge, then on to Grosmont.
The weather was glorious. Very hot - became much hotter as the day went on too I can tell you!
Stopped at Grosmont to see the steam trains, and had a wander along the station. Was like stepping back in time.
I chose to walk alone today, cos I wanted to savour each minute. I didn't want to walk with anyone and miss anything, which usually happens when you are chatting.
Left the station and walked a short while, but what a climb was round the corner!!
The climb up to Sleights Moor was one of the steepest roads I have ever come across! I am sure the policeman in his car must have thought I was having a cardiac arrest. It felt like it. I had the hot sun on me trying to muster up the energy to climb this hill, on pavement too. Climbed it I did tho and walked across the moor.
Entering Heartbeat (you know the popular TV show) territory here. You can see where most of the filming has been done! Actually saw Whitby for the first time too and a first glimpse of the sea!
Turned off after a while and cut down into a little village called LittleBeck, which led on to one of the nicest forest walks of the journey. Some climbing to do, but lots of interesting things to see. There is the hermitage, a boulder hollowed out to make a small cave. Then walk on further and you come to Falling Foss a 30m waterfall. Very nice. I stopped and had lunch there.Selwyn the hopeless map reader was here, but I let him get ahead of me - not geriatric sitting today!
After that and a further stroll through the forest you climb out on to the Greystone Hills. A bit of bleak moorland, and quite boggy in places.
This goes on for nearly two hours, and in the hot sun is quite hard.
Once through tho you start meeting civilisation, as you come in to Low Hawsker then High Hawsker before reaching the end stretch. Through a caravan site on to the cliff path for the long run in. This seems endless, you are tired and hot and want to finish and it is the end of another long day. Both days 20 miles each, so muscles are straining a bit by now. I am sure someone added an extra mile in at the end!
Made it tho and finally Robin Hoods Bay comes into sight! The buildings and the cove are a sight to behold!
The walk down the very steep road to the sea is full of all sorts of emotions. You can see the finishing line - but do you want it to end?
I came into the bay at about four ish, some of the long legs arrived much earlier, and yes it was a tearful arrival, much cheering an congratulating of each other. The toe dipping ceremony of what seems like ages ago and the throwing of the boulder into the sea! I am surprised we aren't tipping up with all the stones that get thrown into the East! Guess what? Selwyn came in an hour later - yep - he had got lost again. He followed some local people up the wrong path!!!!
My daughter and Lola and hubby was there to meet me, although Lola did prefer to play in the sand and couldn't understand what the fuss was about.
A few pics later and I left them briefly to go back to the Wainwright's Bar for a well deserved celebratory drink and a fond farewell to a lot of friends.
Phone numbers and emails have been exchanged. Let's hope we keep in touch.
A few hugs and tears from quite a few of us.
Am I glad I did it? yes
Would I do it again - yes, I think I would. Perhaps in 3 or 4 years time.
Would I recommend it - yes, but do train up.
Am I mad? Yes! - But you have always known that about me anyway.
What next? - suggestions please. I have definitely got the long hiking bug!

192 miles over 12 days + 10 or more extra miles walking to and from lodgings to pubs
15 pubs visited. Don't know how many pints I drank. Blame the weather!
High peaks climbed and descended - some serious stuff here.
Lots of wow factors on climbing and seeing the views!
Counted millions of sheep, but didn't help me sleep!
Not counting how many calories were consumed. I have never felt so hungry!
Lot of new friends and acquaintances made.
Lots of swear words used on climbing.
Oh and read 3 books too!
Am I happy? You Bet!