Day 4: Tueday 22 July - Richmond to Lion Inn, Blakey Howe

When we awoke on day 4, we all agreed that the sound of the nearby river had helped us get one of our better nights sleep under canvas. We packed the tent away, got some breakfast and were away at about 9am, following some faffing from Hedd who lost and found the backup map a number 0f times.

(Nearly) ready to go on Day 4

The day started with a long road section. This section across the Vale of York was always going to be the dullest from a riding perspective, but at least it passed quickly.

Matt and Ed get a tow from Ad on the initial road section

Although we were making good progress, we were also feeling a bit peckish so we had a quick pitstop in Brompton.

Fueling up in Brompton

From Brompton, we headed along the busy A684 towards Osmotherley. We had another break and enjoyed looking around this picturesque small town.

The beautiful small town of Osmotherley

Soon after Osmotherley we headed offroad for the first time and enjoyed the descent from Scarth Wood Moor, although Hedd lost his water bottle.

Nev tackles the first offroad descent of the day on Scarth Wood Moor
Hedd at the bottom of the Scarth Wood Moor descent, without his water bottle!

From here, we followed the Cleveland Way for a while and stopped for yet more food. After another onroad section we passed Scuddale Hall and headed steeply uphill for the rather uninspiring drop to Chop Gate, where we managed to persuade the pub to open.

Matt on the muddy descent to Chop Gate

Now all we had to do was climb back up onto the moor and find the Lion Inn (http://www.pubnetuk.supanet.com/lioninn/index.htm), which allows camping for coast to coasters only. This turned out to be quite a big ask. It was really hot by this stage and we were relieved that part of the climb was through East Bank Plantation and therefore in the shade.

Hedd fords Bilsdale Beck before the climb across Urra Moor to Round Hill

Hedd half-way up feeling the heat!

Following a short push/carry between the top of the plantation and the moorland plateau, we made it. Now we just had to cover a few easy miles on a disused railway line, and we'd be at the pub!

The last few easy miles of the day on disused railway

Before too long, the Lion Inn came into view - a very welcome sight. It was about 6pm so we had time for a celebratory beer in the garden before pitching the tent in an adjacent field.

Job done - time for a beer!

We were all in celebratory mood, just one day (the easiest) left. We decided that we deserved a substantial meal in the resturant and a few too many beers.

A celebratory meal and a few too many - the Lion Inn