Post 242: A Circular Walk from Lastingham
Sid the Yorkshireman had an appointment in the afternoon and so we decided to give The Inn Way – Yorkshire Dales a miss and go somewhere closer to home.
The temperature had increased considerably for the day and so I decided to not wear my winter trousers for the first time since about November. I also replaced my winter body warmer with a lighter one.
The miniature daffodils were out in my garden.
We came up with a circular walk starting at Lastingham, one of my favourite villages on the North York Moors. Leaving the village at just after 9.00am, heading north onto the open Spaunton Moor, Ana Cross soon came into view. 
This is an impressive cross standing some 10 feet high. 
We decided it was too windy for our coffee break and continued to a bench at the top of Rosedale Chimney. Sid the Yorkshireman and Alf decided it was still too windy on the bench so dropped down off the ridge, so I had the bench to myself.
The views were stunning.
There was no one else about apart from the three of us – almost perfect solitude.
We briefly followed the lane south before leaving it to descend to Loskey Beck.
We then ascended from the beck before taking a southerly path through the heather.
Arriving at Hutton-le-hole we had the luxury of a bench each for lunch. This would be much busier in summer and even this coming Easter school holidays. 
There were just a few sheep to keep us company.
Carol, who often walks with us, was at work for her last week before retirement. Clearly when she retires she will be joining us for walks a lot more, judging by the cake she was given by her colleagues.
We wandered through the picturesque village of Hutton-le-hole where the sheep kept it well ‘manicured’.
After a steep ascent sweeping views towards Rollgate Bank and Farndale could be seen.
Passing through the quiet village of Spaunton, where little seems to happen, we noticed the recycling bins for alcoholic bottles and cans were well stocked with empties!
Above Lastingham we reached Victoria Cross.
A final descent with views of the church took us back to Lastingham
With temperatures of up to 12 degrees it really did feel as though spring had arrived at last, especially in the sheltered villages.
Miles Walked 9
Steps 20,000
Calories burnt 4,000
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