We opted for the shorter "Sherpa" route today. This meant that we bypassed the village of Ingleby Cross (and a purportedly excellent pub) on our way to Osmotherley, which is slightly off the recognized C2C route. It did mean, however, that we went directly by the Mount Grace Priory (see pictures below) with its spectacular gardens and beautifully maintained buildings. The original priory was built in 1398. We didn't go in the buildings, but enjoyed our picnic lunches on the lawn and even took the time for a little nap just as the sun came out.
Our route today took us mostly on quiet country roads. At one point, after ascending "an annoying steep hill" our map indicated that we might be able to see an old castle. I asked a young man who was working on a farm at the top of the hill. He was happy to drop what he was doing and take us around to the back of the family home. There, connected to the current buildings, were the remnants of a castle built in the 13th century. It was used today to house some of the animals. While walking on tarmac for a short period of time can be a nice break from negotiating uneven terrain, it's hard on the old joints and feet for long stretches. After our lunch stop we were grateful for the return to a beautiful uphill forest pathway and then a field walk for most of the rest of the way.
Once again we travelled through a largely agricultural area. Lots of large farm operations with just a few fields of sheep and cows. The sheep flocks seem to be a bit denser here than on the larger fields up high. The cows today were funny. Every time we passed a field of cows they would all run over to us and just stare at us with their big brown eyes. As we started to move away, they would follow us until another fence impeded their progress. The landscape improved as the day went on. We started to get back into sight of some rolling hills with some larger hills silhouetted in the background. We knew we were still in civilization, though, as telelphone and power poles often were visible in our photos. We passed by and over several railway lines as well as a 4-line highway. I'm sure we provided entertainment to several motorists as we coaxed our stiff and aching bodies into something resembling a running motion to "sprint" across the highway. Thank goodness there was a "central reservation" (aka median) strip for us to gather ourselves before attempting the final 2 lanes.
Osmotherley is a cute little village. All the "locals" we talked to in the last 24 hours quickly pointed out that there were 3 pubs in Osmotherley. We were early today - in town by 3PM - so we stopped at one on the way in. We went for dinner at another. We have all been really pleasantly surprised by the quality of food we have found in all of the pubs and restaurants in these little villages. There are signs in town indicating "west end", "south end" and "north end". You know it's a small village when any two of those signs are within 30 metres of each other! We're in a nice little B&B called Vane House. Tomorrow is a day with a bit of climbing and the views should be good. They say we can't get lost; hope that's not the kiss of death.......
I laughed at your description of the cows -- and again when I saw the picture! Too funny. The Mount Grace Priory does look beautiful.
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