Day 30 - Hay-on-Wye to Gladestry

The Hay-on-Wye Festival is well worth visiting and it'll be on my list for a future trip (combined with walking some of Offa's Dyke).

Walked into the town in drizzly mist- did I mention a superb view from the camp site? Not today! Wandered around the attractive centre (with street entertainers) and castle grounds (with all types of stalls), where every second shop is a book shop. The Walker was overwhelmed by it all and left me to discover the rest. And what a discovery! There was a whole area devoted to the "alternative " festival called Howthelightgetsin - the philosophy and music bit instead of books. Very arty, but some bits looked really interesting and the live music being played in one of the tents was pretty good.

Walked to the real festival area and once again was surprised at how excellent it all was. Could have spent hours going round the book-signing areas and looking at all the other attractive, inviting stalls. Next time I'll book some events to go to and persuade some of the other family members that it would be a great place to spend a holiday!

From Bernie:

Today's walk 10.2 miles : Cumulative 391.1 miles

Woke to rain pattering on the roof & wind rocking the van - ventured out to the loo block & couldn't see the hedge at the end of the field. It felt good to have lots of miles in hand! Still had to sort out yesterday's blog but after wrestling with that & soaking up a couple of mugs of coffee the world began to look a bit more cheerful!

Good fun spotting 'old' Welsh County signs!

Walked into Hay from our campsite & wandered around the town centre shops & stalls - as Les has observed, it was all a bit too much for me! Too many people! I enjoyed the atmosphere.... & the Morris Dancers; it was great to see kids rummaging enthusiastically through books.... less attractive were the piles of tat for sale & overdressed visitors taking themselves far too seriously.

Honest, at least!

Resumed my journey about midday after a pint of 'Old Rosie' to boost my flagging spirit! Lovely afternoon walking, initially along the River Wye, then through farmland before heading out on to undulating high pasture & moorland. Drier, sunnier & warmer!

River Wye & Hay Bluff - the hills were yesterday's walk

Highlight of the Day: Disgwylfa Hill - last views back to yesterday's Black Mountain Ridge walk, the hills of Radnor Forest & Hergest Ridge ahead. A wonderful, open, high space.... with no people!

Western edge of Hergest Ridge - above Gladestry village

Beer of the Day: 'Brewer's Choice' from Golden Valley Ales in Peterchurch, Herefordshire; so, brewed just down the road from our campsite. Their Premium Ale & they describe it as 'fruity' - I'd go for smoky! Liked it, though!

Thanks to Mrs Price at Walton Court Campsite for the free night - I'll add it to the donations page.