A couple of Sunday’s ago we took the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) from Pickering, just 20 minutes away from our cottages, to Whitby for a day out. The service run by the NYMR is called “The Optimist” – a reflection on these Covid induced uncertain times. The NYMR has taken a bit of a pounding this year, as it still has overheads to meet, despite not operating any public services. One must not forget either that the NYMR is a charity at the same time, supported mainly by volunteers.
The twice a day service, gives you 3 hours or so in Whitby to do some exploring. On this occasion we had already made a booking to visit English Heritage’s Whitby Abbey. Once we got to the Abbey we sat and enjoyed our picnic lunch overlooking the old fish pond and the classic view of the Abbey. Be warned; to get to the Abbey you do have to make your way up the infamous 199 steps. These steps take you to the top near St Mary’s Church. We were all certainly out of puff by the time we got to the top. Stop for a while in the graveyard at St Mary’s as it has views over the harbour and both of its impressive breakwater piers.
If you have time, grab some chips from Mr Chips before heading to the train station and the return journey back to Pickering.
For more information about the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and its services (including its Christmas specials) – visit https://www.nymr.co.uk/
