Today we started from the village of Newcastle-on-Clun and walked back towards Offa’s Dyke. Once we left the road we encountered the first of the hills for the day. We knew today was going to be like a roller coaster, a lot of up and down! We remembered these hills from when we walked the route 2 years ago; they were very steep both up and down. It was a bit of a shock to the system so early in the morning ..... did I mention we get up really early and are in the bus by about 7.50 ready for the off! We were walking by about 8.20 today. Steve W has been doing a fantastic job however making porridge for everyone - well nearly everyone, I don’t really eat porridge, but I understand it has been excellent.
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| John at the halfway point |
So we kept plodding onwards and came to the Offa’s Dyke halfway point; a quick photo and off again. Eventually there was one last very steep and long downhill that we recalled from last time was extremely muddy and slippery as it was raining, but today was not too bad as it was dry, warm - not too sunny today as it was rather hazy. I think this must be a record in our walking adventure trips; 3 dry, warm and sunny days in a row!!
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| Also found another bath for Tim! |
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| We found some steps - 122 of them! |
Once we got down this last hill we turned off the dyke and rejoined the Shropshire Way; which took us gradually into Bishop’s Castle; the hills were not too steep now.
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| Lunch stop at Bishop's Castle |
We had lunch sat in a church yard, and then made our way up out of the town and another 3 miles to Lydham.
Carol and Phil found us about a mile and a half from the end and walked back with us. They had enjoyed an uphill walk from Clun for about 2 1/2 miles - over 15 stiles, then back down again and over the same 15 stiles.... they beat us on the stile count for the day!! They also let slip that they had sampled the breakfast baps in the tea shop we had visited yesterday in Clun! When they were trying to find suitable parking to meet us at the end of the walk, they were approached by a farmer who asked if they would mind blocking a road so he could move his cows - they obliged and watched all the cows move to a new field, they then parked up on the verge by this field.
So back to the house for tea and parkin cake made by Carol - very good. Parkin or Perkin is a gingerbread cake traditionally made with oatmeal and black treacle, which originated in northern England.
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| Fantastic views. |
Walt, Alan and John are on cooking duty tonight, we are expecting chile and rice with apple strudels for afters. We were also offered by the owner to use up a barrel of lager that a party had left behind - so the boys have been sampling that.
Feet and legs are rather weary tonight, hopefully they will be ok again in the morning, as we are promised more hills!
Talk about 'gluttons for punishment'!! You'll need a week in bed to recover next Wed.surely.
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