Our final day. It dawned grey and chilly, and we left early, back out onto windswept moors. The route here is tantalising, tracking parallel to the coast on a long V South and then North again, but it did take us through some beautiful woodland, with the impressive Foss Falls. Then we were back onto moorland and finally heading directly towards the coast, with a north wind cutting at us. Stonechats and yellowhammer, our constant companions, stitched the end of our walk to the very beginning. Some final lanes, and then there was the North Sea opening up in front of us, pewter grey, veined and fretted in the wind.
It felt dreamlike, walking the last miles along the cliffs, in the lulling roar of the waves. A soft euphoria at having walked the breadth of the country, sea to sea: it felt at its most impossible as we completed it. A long descent into Robin Hood's Bay, and suddenly we were surrounded by the bright cheer of the seaside: colourful cottages, chip shops and cafés, holidaymakers, and the congratulations of fellow coast-to-coasters we'd met along the trail. We wound all the way down to the beach to dip our boots in this eastern sea, then ate chips on the shore, salty and greasy and smiling.
Shortly we will catch a bus to Scarborough, and a last night away before heading home, and back to our lives. We have walked roughly 200 miles in 11 days (plus two rest days). We have crossed three National Parks, and traversed North England: it's rocky coasts, airy uplands, rich woodlands, and bright valleys.
And most importantly, we have raised over £4000 for Wild•Ling (including a direct donation outside of the Crowdfunder). Every penny we receive will go into buying some land to rewild and restore for nature. We have been amazed and moved by people's generosity and support - thank you so much for every message of encouragement, and every penny donated. There was no better feeling than getting a message of love and support in the middle of a tough day of hiking, and in particular it's been fantastic to know so many of you are reading the updates. Special thanks to our partners, families, and friends for believing in us and keeping us going.
The Crowdfunder will remain open for a while, and we'll continue posting any updates there until it closes. But for anyone interested in following the project long-term, please bookmark our website.
We can't wait to show you what you have helped us achieve!
