Today is my final day at the UK section of the trail; it starts again as a wonderful summer’s day; clear blue sky, cool temperature, gentle breeze (tailwind).

magnificent summer day along the Humber

It is magnificent to hike along the river Humber, towards the big bridge, for a few kilometers. After passing an industrial section In North Ferriby the trail leads back to the waterfront again. Just before getting these I pass a small cafeteria and I can’t resist to order an all day breakfast. Reminds me of two days ago. With a full stomach I continue along the banks of the Humber, crossing the big bridge after 13km.

bridge across the Humber

The final kilometers are straight, lovely but tend to become a bit boring. By the time I arrive in Hull the weather has darkened a bit and the (tail)wind has straightened. In Hull I pick up my luggage in the hostel that I have used (close to the trail) and continue to the port, where the ferryboat to Rotterdam is already visible for many kilometers. In the last two kilometers of the stage the construction facility of sea wind turbines is passed; it is pretty entertaining to see these giants from a short distance. The next highlight along the waterfront is the passenger terminal that marks the end of the E8 in the UK.

end of the UK, ferry to Netherlands

What a magnificent section of the E8 it is: I loved the flat and plains in Yorkshire, the nice and dry weather, and the friendly and relaxed people between the one coast and the other. From a hiking perspective the many straight and many concrete kilometers could tend to become boring. I have truly appreciated the consequences of these: it is easier to look around while hiking in stead of looking at your feet with every step that you take. The E8 across Europe would sometimes be easier to enjoy if it would have a bit more E8 UK.

Does this finalizes my E8 in the Western/Northern hemisphere, after crossing Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Ireland and England? No it does not, yet. Since I have started in 1994 the Netherlands section has been renewed; at the time the E8 started in Amsterdam and took southeast to the city of Nijmegen, close to the German border. Nowadays the E8 leads from Europoort/Rotterdam straight eastbound to Nijmegen. As finalization of my E8 I will hike the new Netherlands section to Nijmegen, to make the circle complete.