C2C day 11 – Richmond rest day
We had planned for a rest day in Richmond, and it was needed. Graham's ankle was still painful, and Mary was unwell.
As we weren't walking we had a 'light' breakfast of cereal, omelette and toast. As we left the B&B we were chuffed to see a view that Wainwright had sketched in his guidebook. We then went looking for the hospital, dropping off a bag of dirty clothes to the laundry on market square on the way. We found the hospital and Mary was given an appointment to see a doctor an hour later. During that hour we did some shopping at the Coop behind the hospital then returned to the B&B to get some warmer clothes – the weather was cold and windy with occasional showers. Mary saw a doctor and had a prescription filled at the hospital, all at no cost because of reciprocal arrangements with Australia. Despite all the criticisms we hear of Britain's National Health Service, it worked very efficiently for us and the staff were kind and caring. We visited Boots and bought an ankle support strap and anti-inflammatories for Graham.
'Wainwright's view of the castle keep'
We then set off to further explore the town. As we crossed the market square we saw that part of the square was being resurfaced. We were impressed by the cobbles being relaid, not replaced by bitumen. We passed by St Mary's church to cross the Swale to the old railway station, now a café and cinema. After a pleasant lunch at the café, we crossed back to the town side of the river then walked along its banks to the castle. We spent a couple of hours in the castle, inspecting a very informative display near the entrance and climbing in and over several buildings, staircases and towers. Views over the town from the castle were impressive, especially against a backdrop of heavy black clouds. We picked up our clean laundry and returned to the B&B where Mary had a sleep and Graham caught up with diary notes.
'Re-laying cobbles in the market square'
'St Mary's church'
'Café in the old railway station'
'Path under the castle walls overlooking the Swale'
'Ruined walls and buildings of Richmond Castle'
'Richmond from the castle keep'
We returned to the Black Lion to meet up with C2C friends and have dinner. Some of the 'group' were walking further than us tomorrow to Ingleby Cross, so we would not be seeing them again. This was sad, but we had enjoyed their company on and off for over a week. For dinner we had pork cutlets with a Chilean cabernet sauvignon, and Graham discovered a very good Adnam's beer. It was a great evening with friendly company and freely flowing conversations – more C2C magic!