Morning walk

Morning walk

We’ve got a few morning walk tracks we do in and around Staithes. This is one of our favourites. We call it the Dalehouse Walk.

Leaving the cottage, we wander down Church Street to the harbour. This morning the sea was in and the protective harbour wall was just about peaking its head above the waves as they so desperately try to get in. Tiny boats bob up and down, straining on their mooring ropes, the sun causing their colours to bounce back to our hungry eyes.

Turning left we greet the early morning crew at the Cod & Lobster as they spray down the seating area ready for today’s guests to enjoy.

Up Church Street we walk, pretty cottages and flowers in an array of bright colours, ancient cobbles under our feet.

Now, at the gallery, we drop through the alley to the bridge that takes us over The Beck and the waiting Cowbar Bank. Up the steep hill, gulls screeching with delight as they dive in the fresh morning breeze.

Now for the cliff top, views stretching across a blue ocean that ripples with flashes of jewels wrapped in waves. Turning left at the top we cross the road and head down the leaf roofed lane to Dalehouse. This little village, nestled at the side of the softly flowing Roxby Beck, is just gorgeous. We saunter now along Ridge Lane, aware that the next climb will be taking us back to Staithes and wanting to just prolong our time here a little longer despite the fact it’s only been a day since last did the same walk.

Now we join Roxby Lane and, turning left, we climb up Dalehouse Bank, our calves aching happily as we stretch to shorten the climb. Once again we cross the Whitby Road and head back into Staithes. Today we take the top path back to Kirk Cottage, the views over the red tiled rooftops see the village at its best. Dropping down the steps the harbour opens up below us, the sea having dropped back a little since we left. To our right we continue to fall, down more steps and then squeezing through Dog Loup. Now back on Church Street and home.

A wonderful set up to a special day as we remember our dear friend Richard who died unbelievably 2 years ago today. We are going down to the sea shortly to celebrate his memory in a place he loved. Rest in peace top man. You knew how to hang loose.

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