Day 15 Longtown to Llangattock Lingoed

Solo today. Marie was picked up in Longtown (not the original name, but became so when the town grew along the road and became such) by Rob, Sarah and Hannah Moffat. They were in the area for a family matter and took a detour.
The Offa’s path was to take me back up to the Black Mountain ridge. This did not trouble me, but walking downhill was killing my feet. So I took an old path (public footpaths have historical right of way in Britain) along the river to Pandy, joining the offical Offa’s path in the valley. And yet I can still claim to have not skipped a section. Big win.
After walking these paths of Wales I understand how this place inspired poetry of great people. Me - I stopped to talk to a donkey. I arrived at Llangattock Lingoid 11:30. The Hunting Moon pub was open. I was the only patron. I ordered coffee from Chris, the proprietor. Turns out he had lived in Cape Town for many years. I waited for the others to arrive.
For both of us, but especially Marie, the meeting with the Moffats was deep. There is a very powerful connection, starting with Rob and Sarah’s visit to us in Sydney in 1992. They fell I love with Max, a toddler. Since then, they have been a place of welcoming and warmth for the extended Mills/van Gend family visiting Edinburgh.
Now we sit, a Butty Bach beer in hand, outside, enjoying a warm sunny Welsh summer evening with the backdrop of a 12th century church and surrounded by roses of all colours.
Three days left and, though my feet will be relieved, I will be sad. The Welsh folk have been Hobbit-like in their warmth and hospitality; the country gorgeous in its greenery, though plagued by my now least favourite animal, the sheep.
The food has been amazing. To be honest, I was not expecting much, but have been hugely impressed by the pub food we have lived and marched on.
And the beer … don’t get me started.
Stats: 11.8 km, 3:10 hours, 178 elevation gain, HR 87 (pushed the pace a bit), 3180/4369 kJRead more