End of day 11 Llanthony to Hay-on-Wye

Jaded after yesterday's climb so up late at 07:30, partially packed before mustering for a hearty cooked breakfast at 08:30. £12 together with a packed lunch. Away at 10:30 after finishing packing.

Long climb back up the hill on the Beacons way to the top of the ridge to re-join Offa's Dyke path, then left turn (NNE) to continue along the ridge line for 7 miles. All the time strong northeasterly breeze kept me cool in the blazing Sun. At the northernmost end of the ridge, descended Hay Bluff and as I rounded it there was enough shelter from the wind to make a 16:30 phone call to my campsite and book a place. I 'guesstimated' 90 minutes more walking, it actually took me 3 hours.

Arrived at Hay-on-Wye Caravan Park a very late 19:30. Wardens had left but had kindly briefed long time 'static' (Caravan) resident Nigel to show me my pitch and facilities. After exchanging small change for some £1 coins I immediately used the laundry (2 × £1 coins) to wash everything I owned except a pair of swim shorts and a Barmouth 10k florescent T-shirt (thank you Ian).

After pitching I needed more pound coins for the tumble dryer (2 x £1). A touring caravanner had one of those tubes full of pound coins which he kindly exchanged for my £10 note and gave me a couple of cans of Cider which I drank while chatting with him and his wife. He regaled me of stories assisting at the recent Beyonce and Coldplay concerts at the Cardiff Principality stadium. Which had me thinking, that would be a fun thing to do in my retirement.

Site had top quality faultless facilities with plenty of showers, toilets, basins and laundry. Superbly mown grass and a great view albeit expensive at £19.

15 miles from Llanthony to Hay-on-Wye completed at end of 11th day of walking and 5th on Offa's Dyke path.
Total miles so far : 126.5
Average speed : 1.9 mph
Weather : Sunshine and glorious. Another hot day with a welcome ENE breeze for much of the day.
Number of people passed : 24Read more