C2C day 12 Grosmont to Robin Hood's Bay (The End)

We started walking at 9:15 am and immediately were faced with a 700 ft climb out of the village.  When you see a sign saying 33% you realise it is a bit of a hill (something of an understatement).  We passed 10 other C2Cers on the way up, we certainly seem to have got our climbing legs sorted out.  The view from the top was wonderful and included a panoramic sweep down the Esk valley to Whitby.  The sun was out (though we had been told it would cloud over as the day goes on).

Almost as soon as we climbed we were dropping into Little Beck, losing all the height gained at the start.  Here there is a nature reserve where we walked trough a wooded valley, passing the waterfall at Little Foss before coming out onto the final section of moorland.  This was as wet as any section of the walk (we found out later, while talking to a Ranger, that duck boards had been laid to help - we never found them).

Passing Hawsker, the last village before the coast we were inundated with different types of flies.  At various times we had dozens of green and black flies on our clothing.  This swarm affected us to some degreee right the way to the end.  By now it had clouded over, but it was still warm and muggy.

A final stop to brew up a coffee on the cliff edge and then onto Robin Hood's Bay.  After 190 miles wwe finally saw our ultimate destination from about 1 mile away.  We walked into the village, descending to the Bay Hotel where family were waiting.  A final walk across the beach (trust the tide to be out!) and we finally threw our pebbles, selected at St. Bees 12 days ago, out into the Irish Sea.

A quick drink in Wainwright's Bar, the obligatory photos and a final farewell and our adventure had ended.  Some people have asked what's next? To be honest a drive home, a bath and a good night's sleep is as far as has been thought.

Ross and his family left for home but before I was driven away Steve (wierdy beard), Chris, Jude and Louise walked by.  A final opportunity to congratulate other coast 2 coasters we had seen at the beginning, during and at the end of the walk.