Ciast to Coast day 8 May 26 2026

 Grinton - Brompton on Swale 

Another hot day in store, so I set of early 5:39 (and took my yha room key with me!!). Last night some lunatic was playing a bloody trombone in the yha at 9:30!!

Lovely evening last night with Anne, Erica, and the kids. Definitely upped my morale, so the wobble from the previous day is now gone. There was a little bit of climbing as I passed through the villages of Marrick and Marske, and it seemed I was in the outskirts of Richmond fairly quickly( I had been going for 5 or 6 hours)

Some of my new friends

Farmyard at Brompton on Swale

River Swale near Grinton early morning

Super hot again. I found a bench at the village of Marske and stopped for breakfast - it was a brilliant idea to take an insulated bottle that I could put boiling water so I could have a brew on the trail. In Richmond I found a small supermarket to top up my supply of paracetemol, and then found a cafe for a brew and a toasted sandwich (perfect). Next I popped in an outdoor shop abd bought a pair of sunglasses, and finally found the tourist info point to point me in the right direction out of Richmond towards Brompton on Swale ( this is where I left the official trail for a few miles).

Breakfast

Lovely woods after leaving Marske

Just after the main climb of the day near Applegarth Scar (I think?)

Richmond

St Mary's Richmond

River Swale on the outskirts of Richmond

Just leaving Richmond and heading to Brompton on Swale

Brompton on Swale bunkhouse - I got a room to myself

The last few miles to Brompton on Swale were straightforward with a stretch of road walking just before reaching the village. The bunkbarn was perfect - shop over the road, pub 100 yards away and the whole place dripping character. Just before getting my food in the pub I met the manager from the YHA , on his way honme from work, and handed my key back.

This was in the lounge /common room at the bunkbarn

An excellent day's walking.

15.5 miles. 8 Hours 11 mins. Ascent 1392 ft