Day 19 - One of the best

 

Today was just about the first day of this mission where it was a struggle to rise from my bed. It crossed my mind to hide my walking boots, pretend they had been stolen and then we could just call the whole thing off. I think the soaking yesterday and having to stick to the roads had dampened my enthusuiasm. However, having Andrew come call for me undoubtedly helped, as did a quick peek at the blue skies: day 19 began...

And it turned into one of the best days so far. We were soon climbing on Hergest Ridge, an open common grazed by what seemed like thousands of sheep and lambs. The path was in great condition and, whilst hard work to get up there, we stayed on the ridge for some miles, with great views on both sides and the now familiar sight of the red kite. We lost count of how many of them we saw but it was well into double figures.

We came down into Kington for a late morning coffee where we bumped into our SAS friend from yesterday, who had survived and enjoyed his wild camping last night. He claimed not to have any military training but he would say that, wouldn't he? Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet Paul and his wife, Kay.who arrived to pick him up and return him home. (That was their story, we think she had just parachuted in for a strategy meeting). Thanks for the sponsorship, Paul! 

The wet weather and some dubious planning has left me short of viable walking socks: we extended our stay by visiting the Walking Hub where I purchased a pair of mohair toe socks, probably the most luxurious footwear item in my wardrobe. Will they become Best Socks Ever? They make their debut over the weekend.

We were back in the hills in the afternoon, on very similar paths to the morning. It really is beautiful walking country that I would recommend to anyone. The path is well maintained, the signage so clear that even I can't get lost and it would be easy to plan shorter, circular walks.

There was a slight cattle altercation with an excited young suckler herd on the way home. They showed a little too much interest for my liking: that said, I think we could have taken them but the field was exceptionally muddy and I fancied a day without cleaning my boots, so we opted for a diversion. After 24 miles we reached the van, conveniently parked right on the path, just past Knighton.

It is my last night camping for a week or so, as the van had a prior booking, so Suzanne heads for home, I have a hotel booked for the weekend and it will be Andrew's final day with me as well. The logistics have taken some planning, what will I forget to take with me? Hope it's not those toe socks.

Our best red kite effort

I know, I know, everyone does it...