Upton-on-Severn to Grimley (North of Worcester)

Weather today: Warm, sunny - down to 'T' shirts

Daily Miles Covered: 13.7

Total Miles Covered: 336.0

Things of Interest: Heronry, two pilgrims, the mighty River Severn

Personal Comments: We left Upton early (08.15) with a guest walker for the day - my good friend Pol Conway. Great to have him on board, had to make sure he didn't walk too fast for us two "mature" walkers!
We continued along the never ending River Severn battling against overgrown nettles, crumbling river banks and sticky, muddy paths - no problem for experienced veterans like us!
We came across a heronry which stopped us in our tracks. Eight or more majestic herons (or as you might say 'dirty great herons') nesting in high trees causing loud commotion.
As we marched on ever northwards, two unusual characters approached us who looked like serious walkers!
We were soon to learn that these two guys were pilgrims on route from Stourbridge in the Midlands to Santiago de Compestella in Spain! - They were following a route originally taken 600 years ago by St.James the apostle - they were in search of the tomb of St. James of the field of stars? If anybody is interested check their website: www.pilgrimage-to-santiago.com
We later walked through Worcester (an attractive city) and on to a place 5 miles north called Grimley.
We ended up in a watering hole (well what a surprise!) called 'The Camp House' where generous people threw loads of money into our charity box - as you will appreciate, that is why we have to keep going into these establishments!

Maisemore to Upton on Severn

Weather today: Sunny, warm, shower a.m.

Daily Miles Covered: 18.8

Total Miles Covered: 322.3

Things of Interest: Tewkesbury Town

Personal Comments: After 5 days doing the cultural trip, around the Bath area, we were raring to go today. Ross our new driver has arrived, we picked him up from Bath railway station yesterday. We were up at 6.00 am. having spent the night on a pub car park in Maisemore. The landlord and landlady of The White Hart kindly let us park up free overnight, thanks very much to them. The River Severn was to accompany us all the way today to Upton. It was the earliest start we have had on the trip, 8.10am. The weather was kind, so we made some headway, Ross acccompanied us for the first 2 miles or so then he went back to the van for some breakfast.
It's quite agricultural around these parts with big open fields, therefore it was no surprise to see 8 or 9 hares cavorting around like mad May hares!!
I have to say it was quite boring on the path next to The Severn, it was so flat, obviously. We had to leave temporarily to go into Tewkesbury, a town stiil trying to recover from the floods of July '07. It's olde worlde charm is still apparent, with lots of buildings showing timber frames, could they be Georgian? We had a guided tour of the town twice losing our way with our position off the map, it only cost us 2 miles or so, Phil was most impressed.
Out of town we soon picked up the path again, the sun was still shining and we ducked under the M50. Having had 5 days off, it has done us no favours whatsoever. My tendonitis has returned, and the feet are again tender, I'll have to walk them off again.
Upton on Severn soon came to us, and that bonny lad Ross had a cup of tea, and a meal waiting.
The Marina at Upton kindly let us stay for free, and gave us free hookup all because Ross mentioned Macmillan Cancer Support.
Looks like we are going to The Plough, just for a couple, purely medicinal you understand.