Cowling to Gargrave

Weather today: Cold and cloudy

Daily Miles Covered: 12.00

Total Miles Covered: 514.90

Things of Interest: Fox and Deer (No, not a pub!), Panoramic Pennine Views

Personal Comments: Picked up the Pennine Way from Cowling and quickly gained hight heading for Cowling Hill. Stayed high until dropping down into the extremely attractive hamlet of Lothersdale - described by Alfred Wainwright as "one of the jewels of the northern England".
We climbed from here on to moorland heading for Pinhaw, a well known popular trig point summit.
We descended from here heading for Thornton in Craven where we were met by my two friends Michael Frost and Keith Prosser (fell running friends from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers).
They joined us for our walk as we continued on the Pennine Way finally arriving at East Marton on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Here we crossed paths with two guys both called John (one a vicar), who were travelling from John O'Groats to Land's End and has reached this point after only 43 days - inspirational!
From East Marton, we marched on to Gargrave - our overnight stopping point.
My lower shin problem had improved slightly, thank goodness making the walking easier!
We met our walking mates Frank Mitchell and Mick Wolstenholme in Gargrave for a drink or two! - They are spending the next few days with us on some of our walks and social activities!!
On route today we saw a fox, some deer and splendid views of Pendle and in the distance could pick out Peny-Ghent and Ingleborough.

Todmorden to Cowling

Weather today: Overcast cool

Daily Miles Covered: 18.4

Total Miles Covered: 502.9

Things of Interest: Top Withens

Personal Comments: The van is now sounding like a van again, not like a traction engine, well done Peter Lynch (Broadfield Garage, Oswaldtwistle). Back at Todmorden, a little later than normal, we set off down The Rochdale Canal at 9.40 am. Today we pick up on the famous Pennine Way, some say infamous PW. The path down the canal is easy walking, so for 3 miles we made good progress. Once on the PW. the path became really steep, passing little hamlets of all shapes and sizes, where people exist on the hillside overlooking The Calder Valley. There are fantastic views over the valley, for little effort when climbing.
Once on the top where it levelled off, the views over to Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall were unsurpassed. We don't have time to dally as the wind from the north east is quite cool. By lunchtime we make Gorple reservoir, so we take 30 minutes for sandwiches, and time to reflect on what was ahead.
4 miles further on we arrive at Top Withens where Emily Bronte conceived the idea for the novel Wuthering Heights. I haven't read it myself, but I know the tale. The area is perfect for a story like this, bleak moorland, millstone grit, and streams pouring down every gulley. I'm sure all the sisters loved it around here.
Down past Ponden reservoir, and on over Ickornshaw moor, to Cowling, where Ross had the kettle on, a good brew after 18 or so, went down well

Delph to Todmorden

Weather today: Bright, cooler with strong cold wind on the hills

Daily Miles Covered: 13.70

Total Miles Covered: 484.50

Things of Interest: Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale Canal, Canadian Geese Goslings

Personal Comments: Walked today with painful lower shins plus a strained left groin sustained at the end of the walk in Todmorden. Climbed high out of Delph and crossed large areas of moorland and reservoirs before descending under the M62 and into Hollingworth Lake near Littleborough.
Picked up the Rochdale Canal on north side of Littleborough and walked (or in my case 'hobbled') along this very attractive canal path for approx. 6 miles before arriving in Todmorden. I made a quick dash to the chemist to buy some full strength 'Ibuleve' to hopefully ease my painful lower shins (by now hot and swollen).
The campervan has recently developed an engine problem! and because of our close proximity to home, is going into Broadfield Garage, Ossy for a couple of days for repair so 2 days off walking. This will hopefully give my body chance to recover sufficiently enough to continue our journey from Todmorden on Friday.

Charlesworth to Delph

Weather today: Warm Sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 12.00

Total Miles Covered: 470.80

Things of Interest: Falcon tunnel

Personal Comments: Another warm start to the day. It was a day for map reading all day, we had to head to through Greater Manchester area, via paths, bridleways, and canals. It's an area full of heritage from an industrial age when coal was king. Railways were built to tranport coal to woolen mills, the canals were also built to transport everything including coal over the Pennines. We left Charlesworth to find The Hudderfields Canal 5 miles away which would eventually take us to Uppermill. Gradually by way of paths and minor roads, we found ourselves in Mottram in Longendale, trying to cross the busy A57, it makes you glad that you're not working anymore when you see all the traffic that is around.
Over the road, sanity returned as we climbed towards Matley and on to Millbrook. A young man pointed us in the right direction to the canal, and from there on it was plain sailing!. Towards Mossley we suddenly came across the Falcon Tunnel it followed the canal for 2oomts. or so it was relic of a time gone by, pitch black, if you have fear of damp dark places, don't go there. Back in sunshine we continued on the towpath to Greenfield and then to Uppermill for lunch. Afterwards we found something called the Delph Donkey, a disused railway to take us all the way to Delph. It was a victim of the times when Dr Beeching swung his axe sometime in the early '60s. The late Queen Mother apparently rode on it once, and slept on it in a quiet siding. Once in Delph, a quiet village, we phoned Ross, and he was there in no time. Phil had arranged for us to stay the night in Shaw, at Rob and Ruths place, longstanding friends of his. Ruth welcomed us with a beer how nice is that.

Miller's Dale to Charlesworth (Nr. Glossop)

Weather today: Very warm and sultry

Daily Miles Covered: 18.20

Total Miles Covered: 458.80

Things of Interest: Views of the long Pennine Range ( 270 miles long! )

Personal Comments: We left Miller's Dale in the Peak District and quickly found ourselves in a real jungle called 'Monk's Way'. We battled through this tough,rocky terrain(we ended up climbing up a dried up river bed full of great bolders) to pick up the Limestone Way.
Following this, we arrived at Peak Forrest in the high Peak District, well aware of sweating bodies and sunburnt legs and arms. Frank is getting brown legs for the first time in living memory!
We picked up the Pennine Bridle Way and soon faced a "severe" climb up onto the high Pennines to arrive at 'South Head', well into the high peak district.
This area was being roasted in strong sunshine as were we. We finally started a descent into the very picturesque village of Hayfield. Loads of folks were supping lager, but we resisted (having such strong willpower!) and marched on. Through Little Hayfield, we started a serious climb once again and ended high up ducking to avoid incoming planes making their approach into Manchester airport.
Following the Pennines, we finally walked into Charleswoth (Near Glossop), where I was able to wash my feet and legs under a pub hosepipe before applying loads of Ibufen Gel to sooth and relieve my suffering leg/ankle tendons which had been "complaining" to me for most of the day.
My internal medication for very sore tendons was 3 pints of Robinson's bitter in the hostelry where we are staying over night!

Alstonefield to Millers dale

Weather today: Muggy, overcast, then sunny

Daily Miles Covered 15.9

Total Miles Covered: 440.60

Things of Interest: Derbyshire dales

Personal Comments: This really is a bonny part of the world. If you like spectacular gorges, clean rivers, where fish swim around readily seen, then this is the place for you. Villages like Alstonefield, where time as passed it by. Thorpe nestling in the limestone peaks near to Dovedale, Derbyshires premier dale. Youlgrave, Monyash and many more, too many to mention in fact. All of them in an area easily accessible, and where do most of us go, to the continent, ah well don't say I didn't tell you about them.
We followed Dovedale for a short while until it turned west for Hartington, we went up Biggindale, unusual in itself, as it was dry, no river or stream went down it. Limestone country lends itself to many different wild flowers. Today we saw in profusion, Common Spotted Orchids, Cowslips and a particular species of wild Thyme, which all help to make the day more interesting. After Biggindale we passed through the village by the same name, and The Waterloo inn, where last night the landlord Stuart, dished us up sirloin to die for.
The Tissington trail was very busy, its a cyclepath also for horses and walkers, on it you can make good progress, and we did. After that we went on The Pennine Bridleway, for 5 miles or so, and realised, the point where we arranged to meet Ross was in total 23 miles away. A quick phone call was in order, and met him at Millers dale, Another delightful place to end a walk

Rocester to Alstonefield (South Peak District)

Weather today: Very warm and sunny!

Daily Miles Covered: 14.50

Total Miles Covered: 424.70

Things of Interest: Entering the Derbyshire Peak District

Personal Comments: Left Rocester heading for Asbourne in Derbyshire - crossed the River Dove before entering the town. Ashbourne boasts being the gateway into the Derbyshire Peak District so we quickly found the 'Tissington Trail' (a disused railway line) which leads you into this beautiful national park.
Two miles through the trail, we picked up a track which led us to a very attractive village at the edge of the park called Thorpe. Passing through Thorpe, we entered this beautiful national park which really is quite stunning.
We quickly found ourselves in Dovedale where the River Dove makes it's way through a stunning valley with high rocks and cliffs on both sides. We followed this river for 5 miles or so and wouldn't have minded walking further, given the chance.
We arrived at Milldale (another stunning place), then climbed up and out of the village and ended the day in yet another beauty spot called Alstonfield.
We've got free camping here thanks to Frank's expertise in promoting Macmillan Cancer Support!
Great opportunity to catch up on washing using their outdoor cold water sink - smashing!
Should be in West Yorkshire area in a week or so!

Hixon to Rocester (Derbyshire)

Weather today: Sunny, warm

Daily Miles Covered: 13.8

Total Miles Covered: 410.20

Things of Interest: Nigel Wood


Personal Comments: 6.30 am. awake and up and about. We stayed overnight on a pub campsite in Hixon. Phil put his tent last night, so there were only two of us in the van last night
It was lovely sunrise, calm, again there was no one about. Our neighbours, BP, and Rob came across to wish us well, we had our photo. taken on a trike, a machine with a VW. air-cooled engine, if I was 21 again!
We left Hixon with the sun shining, soon, Ross left us with a problem with his knee, he made it back ok. We soon made Drointon, and left it behind at the six mile mark. Approaching Uttoxeter,
there was a problem, I went one way Phil went t'other. This time I was wrong, we soon met up again. Uttoxeter seemed a busy place, we only skirted it, but it looked ok. We passed by the racecourse, and left it behind. We could see the busy A50 so we found a way under it and lunchtime came. Sandwiches were eaten with relish, I think it was brown sauce! Packing up afterwards I realised I had lost my phone, it must have dropped out of my pocket getting over a stile maybe. I walked back a mile or to no avail, disaster. I rang O2(with Phils phone) cancelled the contract, and thought what can I do, nothing. We carried on up Dovedale and soon came to Rocester. As we were changing our boots Phil's phone rang, it was Nigel Wood who had found my phone in Uttoxeter. This super chap drove 6miles or so, met us in Rocester, gave me my phone, wouldn't take a penny for his troubles, how lucky was that people, unbelieveable. Well done Nigel, hope The City make it back at the first attempt (Leicester)

Lapley to Hixon(Staffordshire)

Weather today: Warm and sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 14.8

Total Miles Covered: 396.4

Things of Interest: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, Trent and Mersey Canal, Shugborough Hall.

Personal Comments: Very warm day with blue skies and sunshine. Enough to make Frank wear his shorts! Followed the Staff's Way, then onto the Staffs/Worcs canal under the M6 - then onto Cannock Chase. This area is very attractive with trees, valleys, streams in abundance.
We rejoined the Staff's Way and dropped onto the Trent and Mersey Canal. This canal and the other one already mentioned is really attractive and popular with narrow boats ever present.
We ended up in a small place called Hixon where a small campsite was a haven for us which just happened to be next to a pub!
I put my tent up for the first time today in a few weeks. I'm getting better at erecting it now - it only takes about 30 minutes instead of about 45 minutes last time! (The record is something like 4 minutes).

Seisdon to Lapley (S. Staffs)

Weather today: Rain 'til 2.00pm. Hazy afterwards

Daily Miles Covered: 14.3

Total Miles Covered: 381.6

Things of Interest: Shropshire union canal

Personal Comments: Lowering skies meant that rain was not far away this morning as we got up. No breakfast promised so we set about making our own, and of course sandwiches for lunch. The Staffs way was our route again today. Map reading is a problem when its raining, and today was no exception. We covered field after field full of sticky red mud, ankle deep, but we press on. Our first call of any distinction was Codsall, a small town in Staffs. it was bucketing down, there weren't many folk about. Due north we passed over the M54, there were plenty of folk about here, in cars though. Still going north we came upon Brewood on The Shropshire Union Canal. It became fine for a short while, so we had a pleasant lunch on the towpath, in hazy sunshine, it didn't last long. Following the towpath n.n.e. we came across an aquaduct which passed over Watling up Street (A5) now tell me what did The Romans do for us? The A5 at this point is as straight as a die. People were packing up their belongings from their barges, going back to that place tomorrow, we don't talk about.
3 miles further on we left the towpath for a small village called Lapley, I decide, because I read the maps, and where there is a P.H. on the map thats good enough for me. What the signs dont tell you, is when they are shut, and this one was., horror of horrors!. We had to ring Ross, and he took us to another one in Wheaton Aston, hurray. Free pitch for the night, and maybe a beer or two.

Upper Arley to Seisdon (West of Wolverhampton)

Weather today: Drizzle for most of day but mild

Daily Miles Covered: 14.0

Total Miles Covered: 367.3

Things of Interest: Kinver Edge, some llamas and the smell of rapeseed

Personal Comments: Left Upper Arley minus our promised breakfast of a 'full English' - the landlord in the village pub forgot that he'd offered this to us last night! - the place was shut and in total darkness at 8.00am breakfast time - surely he hadn't drunk too much last night and failed to wake up especially for us this morning?
We waved goodbye to the 'magnificent Severn' and headed north east through Shatterford (I think I should live there!!) to pick up the 'Worcester Way'.
Heading over Kinver Edge, we crossed the border into Staffordshire and joined the 'Staffordshire Way'. This long distance path proved very attractive passing through the rolling hills of South Staffs.
We finished the day in a village called Seisdon where Ross had organised an overnight stay in the local pub car park with an opportunity to rattle our charity tin in front of the locals tonight.
I've just hung out my wet clothes on a washing line attached to the van and a bush in the pub car park - it looks like the gypsies have invaded! - nice to give the locals something to talk about!
I'm off to wipe the mud off my boots now.
Finally, thanks to James from Bewdley and Bob Jones from West Bromwich for their donations.

Grimley to Upper Arley (N. Worcestershire)

Weather today: Sunny start, overcast later

Daily Miles Covered: 17.3

Total Miles Covered: 353.30

Things of Interest: The River Severn

Personal Comments: Leaving The Camp house pub early there was no one around only 10 peacocks, and if you've heard 1 peacock, imagine what 10 can do!! As we picked up the riverside path we came across our first lock of the day. The lockeepers must be rushed off their feet this time of year. There were maybe only a dozen boats which passed us all day, so I hope they are good readers. Ross said goodbye to us after a couple of miles to go back to the van, we pressed on. At the second lock, I looked behind to see Philip had dissappeared. he was nowhere, so I phoned him. He had gone straight on instead of turning left at a bridge. By now he was above me somewhere in a caravan park. He said there's no problem "I'll see you in Kidderminster"
"Kidderminster, " I said " We are not going to Kiddeminster" "Oh!" he said.
I gave him revised directions, we met up in Stourport-on-Severn, no problem! Bank holiday weekends bring loads of people out, Stourport was no exception. Fairgrounds, bouncy castles candy floss, lets get back to the riverside path.
Bewdley was our next town to pass through, a little more gentile than Stourport, still a river runs through it!! We arranged to meet Ross at Upper Arley another 3 miles up river, by now my dogs are barking. Tomorrow will our last on The Magnificent Severn!, it has been our constant companion for 4 days now. We got there first, and The Harbour Inn was open say, no more. We stayed there overnight, thanks to Mike.

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.

Slimbridge(Sherpherd's Patch) to Gloucester(Maisemoor)

Weather today: Dry, cloudy and mild

Daily Miles Covered: 13.6

Total Miles Covered: 303.4

Things of Interest: Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Two Great Crested Grebes!

Personal Comments: Walked along the above canal today for about 9 miles - it is very wide (about 4 times the width of the Leeds/Liverpool canal) and is a big attraction for a large variety of birds and wild flowers. It's total length is approx. 16 miles and is used by scores of sailing enthusiasts (Narrow boats to holiday cruisers).
We left it as we neared Gloucester and for a short while, walked the '3 Choir's Way' and finally ended up at a small place called Maisemoor which is close to the 'Severn Way' which we start to follow on our next walk.
Our next driver, Ross joins us next Wednesday (30th April) and takes over from Andrew who has to leave us today. This means we have the next 5 days off from walking - I don't know whether to shout "Yipee!" or "How can we manage 5 days of no walking!" - this is the penalty you pay for being ahead of schedule due to walking too fast. I blame Frank for this!
The good news is that this short break gives us chance to recharge batteries, heal wounds, do the washing, (what am I saying??) and go shopping (what am I saying again?).
I hope I don't seize up before next Thursday - keep reading the blogs to find out!
We pick Ross up at Bath railway station next Wednesday and continue our journey next Thursday. Bye for now.

Hillesley to Slimbridge (Gloucestershire)

Weather today: Heavy shower am. Sunny Breeezy all day

Daily Miles Covered: 12.1

Total Miles Covered: 289.8

Things of Interest: Bullfinches, The Gloucester Sharpness canal

Personal Comments: We were lavishly entertained last night by James and Tor (short for Victoria). They took us out for a meal and a few drinks at the Cat and Custard pot near to Westonbirt. Whilst we were in the pub (Harry and Wills go in there sometimes) we passed the Macmillan tin around, and we took some good money, well done locals. This morning Tor gave us all breakfast to set us up for the day. Thanks again James and the lovely Tor.
Quite bleak early on, but it soon picked up as the day wore on. Back to Hillesley to start at the Fleece. Following The Cotswolds Way Wooton-under-edge soon came into view, and the showers were keeping at bay. On heading northwest we passed through North Nibley, and went on to ascend Stitchcombe hill, well, it was there so we had to climb it, because I am reading the map. Over to our right we passed through a golf course, as it was nearing dinner-time, we were on the lookout for a chip shop, we found one in Dursley. Meat pie, chips and peas, in a bag! I think it's a quaint old Gloucester custom, but it was very good.
Through Dursley we found a path to take us under the M5 down an underpass, and on to Slimbridge. At the canal we had a cup of tea and waited for Andrew he soon found us, so another day done, and the sun was still shining.

Shortwood to Hillesbury (Cotswolds)

Weather today: Warm spring day, slight breeze, plenty of sunshine!

Daily Miles Covered: 14.3

Total Miles Covered: 277.7

Things of Interest: The approaches to the Cotswold's

Personal Comments: Left Shortwood along the 'Dramway' (an old tram route, east side of Bristol). Left this relatively quiet cycle path to join a busy road to take us over the M4 (no option but to use this route). After 3 miles or so, we escaped the roads to be welcomed back by the 'Monach Way'. This took us north east where we also joined up for a short while with the 'Frome ValleyWay' and then back onto the 'Monarch Way' once again.
This scenic, "friendly" pathway finally intrduced us to the 'Cotswold's Way' which we joined near Horton and swiftly ascended into the very scenic Cotswold's. We walked several miles surrounded with quite stunning views and accompanied on route by repertoires of bird songs.
Finally ending up in the village of Hillesbury (a typical pretty Cotswold's village), we quenched our raging thirst in the "Fleece Inn".
We are staying at Remo Farm tonight, owned by a friend of Andrew (our back up driver), so an interesting night is in prospect!

Clutton to Shortwood (South Gloucestershire)

Weather today: Cool at first, Sunny afternoon

Daily Miles Covered: 13.2

Total Miles Covered: 263.50

Things of Interest: The 2 rivers walk and the Bristol to Avon walkway

Personal Comments: Day off yesterday, so we felt quite ok at 6.15 Tues. am. Having dispelled the myth about the strength of West country cider, we seem to be fine after drinking 4 pints of Thatchers on Sunday evening, didn't feel a hangover at all! Andrew took us back to Clutton and we easily found a disused railway track which took along northwards (the way we want to go) Progressing through villages with strange sounding names like Compton Dando , Chewton Kenysham, for you older people thats KEYNSHAM, Bristol (remember Horace Batchelor of the pools fame) Beyond C. Dando we picked up a track called the 2 rivers way which to us all the way north to the outskirts of Bristol on the east side to a place called Cadbury Heath. With my expertise ( yeah yeah ) I found a path to take us to the Bristol and Avon walkway which again was in our favour going north. The sun was now shining, and as we passed an industrial estate, I thought how lucky I was to be doing something I wanted to do, and not being told what to do. (Thanks JT) Not having much further to go for the day we sauntered along this path for a further 3 miles in the sunshine, with all the world at rest I think its been a good day all round. The Brige inn at Shortwood seemed a good place to end, and it was open!

Wells to Clutton (8 miles from Bath)

Weather today: Stiff easterly wind on hills, calmer at low levels. Still pretty cold.

Daily Miles Covered: 13.1

Total Miles Covered: 250.3

Things of Interest: Mendip Hills

Personal Comments: Onwards and upwards once more. Left Wells with the cathederal bells peeling our departure! On towards Wookey Hole (famous for holes in the ground and caves apparently),and then a steep, steep climb up onto the Mendips. The views from here would normally be spectacular but we encountered very misty conditions but still enjoyed being up there - away from everybody!!
We picked up the 'Monach's Way' which took us further on through this sizeable county with the help of the 'Limestone Link Way' which took us to our final destination of the day which is a place called Clutton, 8 miles or so from Bath.
Rest day tomorrow to catch up on washing and re-stocking for our continuing journey from Tuesday onwards.
Don't let anybody tell you that the UK is small - believe me, it is an enormous place!
Watch this space!

Moorlinch to Wells

Weather today: Same old easterly wind, light rain most of the day

Daily Miles Covered: 15.5

Total Miles Covered: 237.2

Things of Interest: Somerset levels

Personal Comments: We waved goodbye to The Crown Inn at Catcott, where once again we got mains hook up for van, and a free stay on the car park. A special mention for Steve Roby, who gave us a donation, bought us a pint, and paid for our meal, all in the name of Macmillan Cancer support, well done Steve.
As we left Moorlinch it was a grey day, a day you wouldn't want to go walking if you didn't need to! Along the A361 for a short while, until we came to a suitable path to take us away from this madness. Sanity returns as we progress through fields which technically are below sea level. With the wind making it hard work, we find ourselves again near to the A361, this time we bite the bullet and follow it to Glastonbury.
Once there we see people dressed rather strangely ( I should talk ) Druids, and Hippy types, ah well each to their own. Near the centre we see a sign to the "best fish and chip shop" in the southwest, so we have to go in and stoke up. We didn't linger, as it didn't feel right, maybe it was because the sun wasn't shining. Leaving the town uphill we once again we find the A361 briefly this time. Turning off it we walk northeastwards for a dead straight 3 k., with the evil wind still in our faces. Climbing slightly, we see our first glimpse of Wells cathederal, and what a magnificent building it is, this is our destination for the night. Once in Wells it is market day, so we stroll down the main street taking photos. I entertain the masses by going base over apex slipping on a drain, I landed on my back, good job I had a rucsac on. I hope the wind disappears for tomorrow.