Wolds Way Day 2: Rudstone Walk to Goodmanham

Crikey it has been warm today and I wouldn't be surprised if the threatened thunderstorm didn't arrive at some point.

We spent a comfortable night at Rudstone Walk and, after breakfast, the owner/chef Laura drove us back up the busy B1230 to pick up the Wolds Way.

The landscape today was different from yesterday's mix of woodland and hedgerow. We were mainly walking through valleys of open pasture and fields of wheat and barley. Swindale was particularly pretty with wildflowers and butterflies. Helen heard crickets but not so many birds today as the landscape was more open and managed.

Once across the road east of Newbald we began the steady climb up High Hunsley between hedgerows. With the David Hockney vistas opening up as we rose higher. Lots of wind turbines in this part of the county and much discussion between us about them and their place in the countryside.

The next section of the Way was along a quiet country lane - Hesslekew Lane and then we were back on to a long farm track through wheat fields, very hot! Eventually, we dropped in to Goodmanham Dale, relieved that the bull was not actually in his field, despite the sign, crossed the disused railway line which would have once carried folks from Market Weighton to Beverley, and walked up the lane towards the village of Goodmanham. A car slowed as it came towards us and the driver promised us there was a cafe to be had at the top of the hill, and so there was!

We enjoyed good sandwiches and drinks at the Fiddle Drill tearoom, contemplated jumping in the shower in the Ladies, then walked through this very pretty village with yet another Norman church to meet with Jim who had driven over to pick up Verity. They go on holiday later this week so Verity was unable to walk with us all the way. More food and drinks at the very busy, well reviewed Goodmanham Arms and then Jim and Verity dropped Helen and I here at Robeanne House, where we are now chilling before showers and eventually dinner.

My blip is of the barley field at Arras Farm, shades of Kevin Costner and 'Build it and they will come!'