Hay Castle

Up until arriving at Hay Bluff I had been walking where I have been in the past. Now I am in countryside completely unvisted by me. This is my excuse for leaving the site late at 11:45 after researching where to stay tonight. OS and Google maps both vaguely suggested I could camp in Huntington. A telephone call to a Huntington B&B owner confirmed The Swan Inn was open and she thought accommodated campers.

Site wardens Nick and Michelle were friendly and helpful with site suggestions. Once I had decided where to camp, Nick kindly drove me the mile into Hay-on-Wye. From here it was a short walk up the hill to where I left Offa's Dyke path yesterday. On the drive Nick explained they had camped all over the world. In the USA it seems lots of trails are a short distance from a road. Walkers wanting to go into town put their name on a list for a shuttle bus into town. Very well organised.

Hay-on-Wye was such an interesting town, I couldn't resist a walk around. The Rohan shop was irresistible. From here I bought a 22 litre Rohan pack away rucksack. Something I have needed for a while for short trips away from camp, for which my 48 litre Osprey Exos pack is unnecessarily large. The Rohan pack was so much better than a carrier bag and it is 100% waterproof.

My walk around Hay-on-Wye had made my departure even later around 14:00 so I had to get a move on to walk the 10.5 miles in the now foreshortened afternoon.

First 2 miles were alongside the River Wye through fields. Then up through Bettws Dingle woodland, followed by 3 miles on lanes to Newchurch village. From here route is up and over Disgwylfa Hill, a common area. From a minor road at the bottom of Disgwylfa Hill I left Offa's Dyke Path to walk a mile east to The Swan at Huntington where landlady Jane was happy for me to camp behind the pub just a few yards from the outside toilets open 24/7. Toilets, a small basin, outside tap and bins, no shower for £9.

I had my best evening of my walk so far in the Swan. The locals welcomed me in and we chatted all evening until the Cider caught up with me.

10.5 miles from Hay-on-Wye to Huntington completed at end of 12th day of walking and 6th on Offa's Dyke path.
Total miles so far : 137
Average speed : 1.9
Weather : Sunshine and glorious. Another hot day with sadly not much breeze.
Number of people passed : 2Read more