Day 1 hiking the Cleveland Way.
Richard’s ReLive video: https://www.relive.com/view/vAOZmReoeyv
10.71 miles, elevation gain 1714 feet.
65 degrees at the start; sunny.
After a fabulous breakfast, we say goodbye to Susie. We’ll be back this evening for another night.
Since we had to pass the All Saints Church, we ducked in to light a candle for a safe journey.
The first part of the trail was through the forest and some fields.
We ventured slightly off the trail to visit the ruins of the Rievaulx Abbey, one of the most important Cistercian abbeys in England. It was founded in 1132 and two of its early abbots, William and Aelred, became saints.
The order sought to live according to the purest interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict. Services were dignified but simple. Art and architecture was austere.
At the height in the mid-12th century, Rievaulx was home to 140 monks and 500 lay brothers and servants.
Rievaulx was pillaged by the Scots in 1322 during warfare between England and Scotland. The Black Death in the middle of the 14th century also took a toll. In 1380, there were only 15 monks and three lay brothers at Rievaulx.
Rievaulx was closed during the Suppression of the Monasteries in 1538, leaving only shattered remains.
The chapel at Rievaulx Abbey.
David and Irene from England were visiting. Irene used to work at Durham Cathedral and spoke highly of it. She said all that we know of English history comes from Venerable Bede, who rests at Durham Cathedral.
Another view of the chapel. Look closely in the bottom middle to see Richard standing and get an idea of how large this structure is,
The rectory is where monks ate meals. They were mostly vegetarian except for fish, eggs, and cheese on special occasions. They ate in silence listening to a reading from the pulpit on the right.
Most of the rest of our day followed roads among the fields. Here we could smell the freshly-mowed hay.
4 Responses
Looks like an interesting hiking day. More to see than just scenery. The abbey was a real bonus to just seeing the countryside. Have fun with your next few days of hiking! Wendy and Dan
Beautiful photographs, as usual. I really enjoy seeing these ancient ruins in England. I’ve been a little concerned about the weather – The news says an extreme heat wave in Europe, and I’m not sure if any of it extends into England – but with you hiking – I hope it’s been okay so far.
Looking forward to your return, although I’ve enjoyed my trip with you
Kathy
The weather has indeed made challenges. Today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) are slated to be the hottest here in England but our schedule is to head north where it will be a bit cooler. After hiking two very hot days, we altered our itinerary yesterday and took a taxi at the half point to our accommodation. More details coming as we get caught up on the post but know that we are keeping safe.
Thanks. It is reassuring to know you are following the weather reports and altering plans accordingly. And BTW – I don’t believe that Os and Mother story for one second! But nevertheless, what a beautiful are.