Sent The Walker on his way bright and early with "get out " instructions in case knees gave up or if today's trek was too far in one go. Those mountain roads are not suitable for the van and I only want to go on them if absolutely necessary! Chose the "Golden Valley" route to Hay-on-Wye - a superb drive with fantastic views but I am not sure, once again, if you would see them all in a car, though not all the hedges were high. Pulled out of a turning and was promptly caught up by a police car - I reckon he was driving too fast as he caught up with me so quickly! I politely let him overtake as I was going a lot slower.
National Park started just past the entrance to our campsite
Neighbours from Cornwall had spent the last 4 weeks touring Wales and had had horrendous weather; rain every day. They were setting back for home - Cornwall is desperate for rain, just like you lot in Essex!
(Actual depicton of LeJog Technical Support Team's lawn)
Hay-on-Wye was really busy as the festival is on. Had only just started exploring when The Walker turned up - 3 hours early! So will leave exploration until tomorrow, as we thought a barbecue was the order of the day! And what a campsite, with a view to die for ( but only one loo and shower!)
From Bernie:
Today's walk 17.5 miles : Cumulative 378.9 miles
This had been one of the day's walking that I was most concerned about on the whole expedition. 17.5 miles along a ridge of the Black Mountains with no easy alternatives should the weather change or my knees give in. In the event the winds were as calm as on any day since we left Land's End, though I must admit to feeling one drop of rain!
A superb walk! Valleys tumbling away to the west & a huge plain reaching out to the Malvern Hills in the east.... it appeared to be raining there!
Upper Pentwyn Farm, last building before the Ridge!
Tough climb out of Pandy, steepest since the Quantocks, but then a surprisingly easy stroll along the ridge & a much easier & gentler descent to Hay than contours on the map suggest.
Trig Pillar, Hatterrall Ridge
Highlight of the Day: some will know how much I love walking on my own & the fact that I usually avoid conversation en route - today was a delightful contradiction! Met a gent, Steve, from Holland on the hill above Pandy & we walked together all the way to Hay. Exchanged stories about families, walking adventures, the Champions League Final & various other topics. We walked at a similar pace (he was kind enough to wait for me on the downhill stretches!), the miles flew by & we were both surprised to reach Wye hours ahead of schedule!
All the best, Steve: hope the rest of Offa's Dyke goes well! Thanks!
Photos didn't come out too badly, after all!
Honddhu Valley
Beer of the Day: ordered a pint of 'Blue Boar' at the 'Blue Boar' in Hay-on-Wye, imagining it to be some interesting local brew. Discovered that it comes from the Hyde Brewery in Manchester! A very drinkable IPA nonetheless - enjoyed it!
Welsh Mountain Ponies high above Llanthony Abbey
Suddenly 2 days ahead of schedule - unsure whether to spend time investigating the Hay Festival tomorrow or whether to wander onwards.... I have a feeling we'll probably do both!
Pam: wind eased, done the 'up', there's only 'onwards' to go!
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