Pontefract to York

"Pontefract - that's not far ..." - Housekeeper at the Convent.
True, but by way of Hull, Selby and a round trip to Cawood ...


view from my supper table at The Olive Tree


In search of Pontefract cakes. Covered market, then the museum, a lovely art nouveau building - “Free Library 1904” in mosaic in the foyer. Wetherspoon's just fitting out their new pub. “The Broken Bridge”. Alas, all the decent buildings have already been taken. Still, they should do well. No other pub seems to serve food in the evening.
On the bus to Selby, a man shambles on, his pockets stuffed with timetables. Around sixty, but in a poor way, with a crutch, a beard, bad teeth, and a bottle of Lucozade. And, as the woman in front of me points out, smelly. “You get a lot like that on't buses.” He is sitting facing backwards, facing me. I could have been looking in a mirror. A “there but for the grace of God” reflection.
The Magnet Inn is boarded up. “All offers considered”. Obviously not enough of a draw.
The County of North Yorkshire. Cooling towers now march across the landscape – three sets in perspective, punctuating the landscape as abbeys and priories did once. We pass quite close to Eggborough, a coal fired power plant.
“Are you writing a book ?” My notebook has been spotted. Not sure how to reply. A man in Hensall has a humbug for the driver.
A llama in a field, and a brown sign for Selby Abbey.

funeral at Selby

There's funeral on when I get there. A bowed and lonely man heads the mourners. On the hearse, a big floral tribute to “MUM”.

Cawood Castle

The 42 takes me out past Nickey Nackey Lane to Cawood Castle. Now in private hands, and let out by the Landmark Trust.

No bus stops on the other side of the road, so I'm making hasty alternative plans. But the 42 pulls up, and takes me back to Selby for the number 4 to Goole - I have to change at Howden. We agree that the Memorial is most likely.
A63 to Hull. A49 to York.
Barlby and Osgodby, then back onto the A63. Detours to remote villages – Cliffe, Hemingborough, then over the Derwent and into the East Riding. “There's racing in York today ...”
“Howden, historic town.” and another ruined choir.
Two others are waiting for the bus to Hull. “A long, boring ride.”
I have to get a ticket to Gilberdyke, then “pay” again. Never happens, though.
Warmer weather this afternoon. Hull 23 miles. North Cave Methodist Chapel. HM Prison Wolds. Cave Castle [a hotel]. Into the bus garage at East Houghton to change drivers.
The Humber Bridge sighted to the east. And back once more onto the A63. Melton, Welton and into Hull, with its cream phone boxes.
Spots of rain as my last bus leaves Hull for York. Out past the Zachariah Pearson and the Old Picture House, along the A1079 Beverley Road. CCTV on board, the first this trip. Flat land, straight road, and a glimpse of Beverley Minster to the right. And the race course. Finkle Street – common name up here, meaning 'corner' –  Temperance Terrace,  Market Weighton.
York 18. Leeds 42.
Pocklington, twinned with Pays de Racan. Loire Valley, lucky them.
“Welcome to the City of York”. Though we're miles from the centre. Dunnington, with cockerels on a dung heap. Traffic out of the city crawling past. A turn off to Howden, so I've been running parralel with this morning's road.
“Feet First” Not an undertaker, but a chiropodist. Bus lane, into the centre and eventually into Nunnery Lane.
As I alight in the shadow of the Convent, there are noisy men in suits everywhere. The Races, countless stag parties, and Friday night will make this a noisy welcome to York.

After a warm welcome – St Paul is on the 2nd floor, and has wifi – off into the centre to Clifford's Tower, for the last groat photo and a celebration plate of ravioli in the Olive Tree.