THE NORTH YORK MOORS - A Northern Coast to Coast Walk: From St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay - page 114

creatures, often shaggy-haired and ugly (a description that so far describes the author
to a T). Hobs, however, often work naked, and dislike clothes to the extent that a gift
of clothing would be regarded as an insult, something that would annoy them intensely,
causing them to become mischievous, vindictive or dangerous. Adept at hiding them-
selves from prying eyes, they work extremely hard and quickly, seeking no reward bey-
ond an occasional word of thanks.
The hob at Hart Hall Farm was apparently a kindly fellow, and much loved by the in-
habitants there. Once, when a hay-wagon wheel became jammed between two stones,
with bad weather threatening, it became vital that the hay be brought in from the fields
without delay. But all efforts to release the wheel failed, and the tired farm hands went
to bed that night facing a harder than usual day's work in the morning. But during the
night the hob got to work, using his great strength to release the wheel, and drawing
the fully laden wagon into the farmyard. When dawn came, the farm hands found the
hay not only down from the fields and stacked, but the wagon prepared for the next
day.
This sort of tale typically reflects the beliefs that were prevalent in these isolated
communities. Always, it seems, the hobs were there when needed, helping with every
chore around the farm, and always in secret. No one ever saw the hobs at work or
heard them, and it would take a brave person to dismiss these accounts out of hand.
Whatever our modern interpretation or opinions might be, they formed a real, and no
doubt psychologically supportive, element in the lives of people destined to spend their
lives in hard, rural toil.

The route through Glaisdale could not be simpler - follow the road to
the station. A passageway just before the terrace where the post office is
found leads to a quieter back road through the village, as does a narrow
road opposite the Mitre Hotel. All come together again near the railway
station.

Glaisdale to Grosmont

Distance 5.7km (3½ miles)

Height Gain 25m (80 feet)

Strong walkers will find the last section, to Robin Hood's Bay, well within their grasp.
It is, nevertheless, long, and comes hard on the heels of a long day before. Careful
planning of these final days is therefore of key importance, and if some advantage
can be gained from being ferried about by helpful bed-and-breakfast proprietors, then
make use of them. It would be a shame to arrive at the spectacular end too jaded to
appreciate it.