End of day 13 Huntington to Kington

Walked the mile back along quiet lane to where I left Offa's Dyke path yesterday then swung right / north to walk over undulating fields then a minor road for a mile into the village of Glasestry. Stopped here for a roll and Cider at the Royal Oak. Tried Robinsons as recommended by my brother Martin. It is now my favourite Cider!

Immediately out of Glasestry, began the main challenge of the day - 4 miles of Hergest Ridge. Its name was choosen by Mike Oldfield as the title for his second album that followed hiss very successful Tubular Bells.

I passed a dead sheep soon after stepping onto Hergest Ridge common. A mile further, a farmer in his Land Rover driving across the common asked if I had seen an injured sheep. I was able to update him with the unhappy news.

Thr descent from Hergest Ridge common lead past Hergest Croft Gardens then into Kington. My campsite was Fleece Meadows where I was cheerfully greeted by wardens Paul and Sue who kindly insisted on brewing me a cuppa and seating me. In their words "You looked knackered" - I was! They kindly loaned the chair to me for the two nights I was there. Aware of the forecast thunder storm I pitched on a slight rise close to the Afon Arrow river. Facilities block was okay with 2 showers, 2 toilets, 2 basins for gents and a wash up area for £11 per night. Site is quiet of road noise being well off any roads but was packed with campers both because it was a weekend and because many were there for the evening's wheel barrow race.

The wheel barrow race began at 18:30, the Police had closed the 'High Street' of Duke Street and Victoria Road. Competitors had to stop at each pub, I think there were 5, and drink a half at each. It was a complete hoot with hundreds of spectators. I was throughly entertained. I watched from Ye Old Tavern at the east end of the course which had been recommended by Trevor whom I had met the previous night in The Swan in Huntington.

The storm never materialised but there was a little rain for about 10 minutes late evening when I was back at campsite. I heard from many others they had had a soaking.

6.5 miles from Huntington to Kington completed at end of 13th day of walking and 7th on Offa's Dyke path.
Total miles so far : 143.5
Average speed : 1.3 ... so slow!
Weather : Sunshine and glorious. Another hot day this time with no breeze so really hot!
Number of people passed : 8Read more