Coastwalker Unplugged: Day 31 - Gladestry to Kington

This was always going to be a short day, so didn't feel guilty taking things slowly this morning; The Walker was still on his way by 10.15 in uncertain mist and drizzle. I had been looking forward to walking Hergest Ridge as over the years I had read a couple of articles about the place, all linked to 'Tubular Bells'( a favourite of ours from our youth!) and was keen to see what all the fuss was about.

However, I nearly didn't get to the top as The Walker was too fast and instead of meeting me at the top of the ridge, I'd only just got started. So I walked on alone to the top and I am so pleased I did. Even in the poor weather the views were tremendous and the place felt very uplifting. I could understand what had inspired the music. Next time I will ensure I walk the whole ridge. Met a couple of dog walkers and runners tackling the walk in the wind and rain but they obviously thought it was worth it too!

An interesting note; the campsite owner has a small shop with the most incredible patchwork quilts, renovated furniture and other interesting hand-made items, which she and a friend sew and put together. A very talented lady indeed! Must get on with my cross stitch!!

Thanks Pam for the daily messages from Tenerife; I haven't cheated and am looking forward to opening tomorrow's message!

From Bernie:

Today's walk 4.5 miles : Cumulative 395.6 miles

I almost feel embarrassed about posting such a paltry mileage! I shouldn't - this is one of the finest stretches of the route so far. From the earliest planning days I'd been looking forward to Hergest Ridge &, with time in hand, I didn't need to rush to walk this in poor visibility. Yet, equally, I know I can't expect to walk all the best bits in perfect weather.

View south from just above Gladestry

Another wet & windy night, leaving lots of heavy cloud slowly rolling around this morning. I knew I'd need to walk somewhere; my knees are much better doing something & a walk to the local pub & back wasn't an option until at least midday! The ridge beyond our campsite was shrouded in black cloud but Hergest Ridge looked comparatively clear & I was, in any case, prepared to walk it again tomorrow if I was disappointed. I needn't have worried: the Ridge was clear, a strong wind pushed me along & the views, even through cloud, were spectacular.

Looking north from the Ridge, towards the rain

Happy to treat the rest of the day as a day 'off'. A couple of pints, a curry, catching up on walking notes, a doze in the van & then reading up on the next few days. Feels like a holiday!

Highlight of the Day: Hergest Ridge... from start to finish!

Summit of Hergest Ridge

Beside the Monkey Puzzle trees is a memorial seat to Nan Farrar. She died in 2006, aged 50; the same age at which I received my new heart valve - I felt very lucky & privileged to be there & to be doing this walk.

Tune of the Day (an occasional series!): can't look further than Mike Oldfield! I remember being slightly disappointed with the album after 'Tubular Bells' but I'm quite looking forward to listening to it again when I'm back home.

Worsell Wood - I think I need advice from my consultant geologist to put a name to this feature! But there's lots of them & this is unusual because it's wooded.

Beer of the Day: tried a pint of 'Harvest Pale' in Kington. It's from the Castle Brewery in Nottingham, so slightly out of the area but the only one they had that I hadn't already tried. The pump handle declares it to be a 'Supreme Champion - Beer of the Year 2010' & it is very good. Surprisingly 'hoppy' for a Blonde beer - hope I bump into this again!

Back to just one day ahead of schedule after today's laziness!

Di: not even many animals on Hergest Ridge, despite what my guidebook suggests! Met lots of people on their way up as I approached Kington but they were in for a tough time walking into the wind.... they must have been up very late this morning!