Day 12 - Urra to Glaisdale...are we nearly there yet?

Distance: 19 miles 

Elapsed time: 7 1/2 hours

Calories: approx. 1,600 (messed up the gizmo)

Toughest day yet....a long hard slog across the North York Moors in relentlessly debilitating gusting cold wind and driving rain. We rejoin the main path at Round Hill after sprinting up the steep slope from Malt Kiln House. We miss out Clay Bank Top but the visibility is negligible and we've done extra mileage dropping off the main C2C path. 

We have underestimated the extent of the Moorland wetness and are soon - too late - donning fleeces and waterproofs. We track the route of the old Glaisdale mining railway, winding round the top of the exposed moor for several miles. Our heads are down and we're so focused on the way ahead that we miss the critical path left to the Lion Inn. Simon's GPS catches it though and fortunately it's not much longer before we're shovelling everything around the roaring fire...just like a skiing holiday. 

Highlight of the day: meeting Fiona's Mum & Dad, June & Eric, a redoubtable couple who have ventured out from the comfort of their home in Saltburn to meet us in a remote pub in Armageddon-like weather. Hot soup, Wainwright ale and a few Snickers bars prepare us for a bleak afternoon winding along roads and soggy moors towards Glaisdale. 

A gruelling day in challenging conditions. One day to go...19 miles from Glaisdale to Robin Hoods Bay. One of us will probably finish the C2C with regret, one with relief, and one with the jury still out until this time tomorrow. 

Thought for the day: to eat an elephant, take one bite at a time (thanks, Stu). To recover after a tough morning on the North York Moors, eat 2 Snickers bars in 90 seconds.