Road tested by weather extremes
THE ROAD over Blakey Ridge between Rosedale and Farndale ranks as one of the most exposed in England.
It runs north through the heather between Hutton-le-Hole and Castleton, rising more than 1,300 feet to The Lion Inn, which stands midway at the highest point of the North York Moors.
The road takes the full blast of the weather which blows off the North Sea, often disappearing into fog and sea-fret or covered in snow. North Yorkshire County Council is in the middle of a two-year improvement and resurfacing plan for the road, which is a lifeline to the local community and visitors.
Barry Crossland, The Lion’s landlord for the last 35 years, said: “The weather can change up here so often, so we really need the road to be in a fit state. We’re very glad that the council has been able to do this work.”
While a milkman in Leeds, Mr Crossland fell in love with The Lion Inn on a day out with a friend and bought it on a whim. He had never pulled a pint before and the property was derelict.
It now draws visitors from across the globe including walkers and cyclists, harking back to the popularity of its heyday in the 19th century as the establishment of the iron mines in Rosedale. Before that, it was a Friar inn in the 16th century, founded by brethren to lighten their poverty.
“It’s very exposed up here and the snow comes down so fast,” said Mr Crossland. “Many a time, people coming to the pub have been snowed in overnight. We’ve had some great parties because of it.”