Coast-to- Coast -Day 11

Richmond-Danby Wiske (14 miles, 6 hours). After Richmond, the C2C walk enters what is probably  the least interesting section. You are basically crossing the rather flat Vale of Mowbray, stretching all the way to Ingleby Cross, with most of the walking being on farm tracks and country lanes. It was a shame to leave Richmond behind, with nice views of the Norman castle above the Swale as we headed out of town. 

The path stays near the Swale for a while longer, taking you past two sewage works (lovely !), and passes under the A1 near Brompton-on Swale. 

Catterick bridge and race course were a short way further on.  You get one of the last decent views of the river from Catterick Bridge. 

The path swings away from the Swale at Bolton-on-Swale where we stopped for lunch in the churchyard at St. Mary's church, where there is the grave of Harry Jenkins, said to have lived to the ripe old age of 169.  The church also offered refreshments (by honesty box) and use of toilet facilities, which were very welcome.  After Bolton-on-Swale, there are several miles of trudging along country lanes towards our destination for the night, Danby Wiske.    

We eventually arrived at our accommodation, the White Swan in Danby Wiske. This pub has a somewhat mixed reputation amongst C2C walkers. Wainwright could only obtain a packet of crisps here, and Julia Bradbury found it closed when she passed through. It has had some rather surly landlords over the years. We were greeted by a rather grumpy barman, who immediately said we had to order our food there and then for the evening meal which would be served at exactly 6.30, otherwise they could not feed us. Breakfast provision was also run with military precision  -  we should report to the dining area at exactly 8.00 am and the cooked food would be served at exactly 8.10 am. All a bit strange, but the staff were actually OK once you got chatting to them.