Mike's Natural Musings: Two Wonderful Days in Whitby.

Saturday, 10 May 2014

Two Wonderful Days in Whitby.

A couple of times a year we plan a 'Whitby Trip' with friends Heather and Brian. This time, being keen YHA people, we decided to book into the youth hostel to avoid the drive home after a wonderful but long day and also to enjoy the sauvignon blanc with the Magpie fish and chips. On the Friday, Brian and Heather gathered up, we launched off over the Humber Bridge heading for Yorkshire. Although retired for some years now it still provides an illicit frisson of pleasure to be out playing on a work day. The first port of call was Sledmere House for coffee, which is always good, but, which also, is often closed. Today was no exception so we continued to our first reserve near the top of Staxton Hill, which never disappoints. Coffee and caked dispatched we continued on to Boggle Hole close to Robin Hoods Bay. Unfortunately the tide was fully up so we had to walk along the cliff top path to Bay Town itself. Not too much of a hardship with the views on offer and early purple orchids to photograph. Although the weather forecast was suspect we were lucky both days and enjoyed excellent light, the only rain being when we were in the car. After the usual mooch round the village with cup of tea, we were able to walk back to Boggle Hole on the beach, although a paddle was required at the end as the tide was still fairly well in.
Time to drive to the hostel up by the magnificent abbey and St Mary's church perched on the cliff top. We were soon settled into excellent en-suite rooms and heading down for a 'swift half' in The Duke of York at the foot of the famous 199 steps leading down from the abbey. Somewhat refreshed we then wandered round to The Magpie for our evening meal. The Magpie does a full menu, specialising in fish and sea food, but, for me, it has to be haddock, chips and peas (fried in delicious batter if you are reading this and not English!!). As usual the meal was outstanding and only needed the ritual walk along the pier to walk off the meal and then the climb back up the abbey steps, never as easy as on the way down!!
After a comfortable night and excellent breakfast it was time for the shops for some and photography for me followed by coffee and then a potter on the beach at Sandsend; always a good spot for sea glass and photography. Our excellent couple of days break finished with a visit to Pickering before the drive home.

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