Wednesday 4th November 2026

Today we picked up our walk in Southbank after a train ride. It was hit and miss as to whether or not the train would stop there – as there seemed to be conflicting information – but it did and that felt like a good omen for the day. Luckily no scenes of violence as had been hinted at yesterday, and the Teesdale Way signpost even had a coastal path sign on it, just couldn’t get any better. The first 3 miles was walking along this very narrow path, alongside the railway line and amongst industrial plants – at least we weren’t roadside.

However, at about 3 miles there was a sign to say the footpath was closed and we were provided with metal steps to take us up to the roadside. There were no further coast path signs so we continued on the pavement in the general direction that we had been headed. We walked about a mile and were pretty smug about how comfortable this wide tarmac pavement was … and then … a security van pulled up.

“Can I ask you where you’re heading” he enquired.

“We’re coastal walking to Redcar” we explained.

“Not down this road you’re not – this is Private Land. And it’s a dead end.”

He was very polite but absolutely to the point. He explained what we had to do … but didn’t offer us a lift back. And he circled around to make sure we had left the premises!

Feeling a little cheesed off, we re-routed and struggled at points to locate pavements, having to face this crazily busy dual carriageway to Redcar. It was predominantly lorries whizzing by our ears and the area was still heavily industrialised, so all a bit grim. On the up side though, we did have pavement AND we could see blue skies and wind turbines in the distance and could just feel the pull of the seaside.

At about 6 miles, a Coastal Path sign popped up and led us off onto an area of grassy sand dunes and across a golf course. The worst was over. And at 9 miles we reached Redcar and were overjoyed to finally see the sea, smell the salt air and hear the crashing waves. We’d arrived … for a lunch stop that is! We found a sheltered spot and tucked into our tuna sandwiches and chocolate to boost our energy. Sadly, there were no cafes open – a hot tea would have been so welcome.

We enjoyed our walk through Redcar, it seemed a well maintained town with a pretty seafront and some remarkable buildings. The wind had got up and we were walking headlong into it. Felt such a wonderful contrast to the earlier part of the day though.

When the promenade ended we were cliff top walking into Marske-by-the-Sea and all was plain sailing. A little weary it has to be said so relieved when just short of 13 miles we reached the village and today’s ramble was at an end. At least this road goes somewhere, and we’ll be back on it tomorrow!

Monday 3rd November 2026

Yesterday we made the long drive up to Yorkshire for some more coastal path adventures and a week’s house-sit in Maske-by-the-Sea. We get to care for a delightful little cat called Sheldon and stay in a very cosy bungalow while the house owner is away working in Morocco. We’re aiming to complete a 65 mile section to close a gap we have between Middlesbrough and Scarborough, so we’ll be busy rambling over the next few days. Makes a change!!

Last time we were up in these parts we finished our walk in the Port Clarence area of Middlesbrough so by bus and train we found our way there to start off today’s mission, which was basically walking through this town, up one side of the estuary and down the other, finishing in Southbank. It’s hard to believe it’s the England Coast Path as we saw minimal water – it was just one of those ‘get it done’ sort of days. Nothing scenic unless industrial areas float your boat. But we’re more than going to make up for that over the next few days as we have the delights of Saltburn, Staithes, Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Scarborough to look forward to.

The first 3 miles were the most grim in terms of industry/heavily trafficked road walking. After that there were some more pleasant paths alongside the estuary for a while, then through parts of “Boro” (as locally named) and onto the Teesdale Way, a narrow path alongside the railway line, which brought us to today’s destination – the ‘Southbank’ area of Middlesbrough. We walked just over 8.5 miles, a little less than we’d estimated so win, win!

While we were in the town it was interesting to once again see the Transporter Bridge, a famous Grade II listed engineering landmark, opened in 1911. Although it is now closed it is still such an iconic sight.

And today it was time to break in my new walking boots – they looked so clean when I started, not so much when I finished!

When we got to Southbank, our plan to get the train back was thwarted as the station was closed. We treated ourselves to an Uber and the driver informed us that we should never go to this area at night – there are frequent stabbings and other troubles. Looking forward to picking up our walk there tomorrow morning!!