Day 18 Newcastle to Mellington Hall

Thursday - Up at 06:00, Taxi at 08:45, started walking 09:10. Staying in a B&B saved time striking camp and packing so away earlier than usual. Another day of up and down Shropshire Hills passing lots of sheep and occasional Cows - grrr! Far fewer of the insects of yesterday but more stiles instead of kissing gates. Stiles always feel less stable some how, probably because I am getting too old to climb over them.

Soon after starting today passed the 88.5 mile half way point on Bryn y Cratch.

Mellington Hall site has a lot of static caravans as well as welcoming tourers. I was shown to a well mown field by Paul and Sarah beside an ornamental lake. New facilities block, camping fee £15.

Mellington Hall had a restaurant and a bar open until 22:30. I ordered Korma and Cider. Soon after I pitched in the empty camping field backpacking couple Howard and Elaine arrived. They joined me in the bar later. They were walking Offa's Dyke path north to south. I learned that Howard had been a Royal Marine Commando NCO so we chatted about things military.

8.5 miles from Newcastle-on-Clun to Mellington Hall completed at end of 18th day of walking and 11th on Offa's Dyke path.
Total miles so far : 186
Average speed : 1.2 mph
Weather : Sunshine and glorious. Another very hot day with almost no breeze.
Number of people passed : 15
Objective tomorrow: Welshpool?Read more