Boston to Barmouth - day 5

Wednesday - Thursday 10th September

I have been doing a stile count from the start - so far 49. In the past I never thought much about them but now I battle with every one and that combined with stopping to check the map and route guide slows down average speed. The other big influence is terrain and today a lot of it was rough going across humocky fields and round field margins with no proper path.

Last night I had booked ahead with the help of the Plough (no Vdafone signal again) into the Falcon at Long Whatton where I lie now on my bed typing at 10:50 trying to catch up. Today time ran out. I arrived in Hathern about 5:30 which is late enough when I have to wash socks etc., shower, update blog comments, write the next post and have a meal at the pub. Unfortunately I had erred and my destination pub was two miles further on at Long Whatton. Furthermore they do not provide evening meals - the other pub is ten minutes walk down the village. So when I booked in they rang and booked me a meal for 7:30. I managed to have a hot bath and tend to other chores before rushing off to the pub where I was able to type and publish yesterday's post.

In amongst the hard going there was some good walking today, over Hotton Hills and Hickling Standard. It has been a fine day, walking and weather. At one stage I was approaching the gate exit of a field when a tractor rolled up cutting the hedge and blocked my exit. That was no problem for me to wait and watch with interest, and then I was motivated to take photo. The former promptly dismounted and asked me why I was taking a photo, "are you going to report me for blocking a footpath". Well that was the kind of challenge I enjoy. I soon had him calmed down and chatting amicably about my walk and his relations etc.

The terrain is becoming more hilly now and I have been seein large blue hills ahead. I have passed close yo Cropwell Bishop and Melton Mowbray but not partaken of cheese or pies. I lunched today in Wymeswold where I bought a salad cheese sandwich and a cherry cake and two hot coffees. The former of the two ended up all over the pavement as I exited the shop trying to carry too many things at once and getting my walking poles jammed in the door.

Now it is 11:20 and I am very tired, but will try to put some photos in. Posting will be tomorrow when I can access the pub' wifi, I hope.




You need to look carefully, or click to enlarge - the items were exactly as I happened upon them. My immediate thought was "which came off first?"


Late harvest is in full swing providing images of satisfying activity


Can anybody identify this caterpillar? I have never seen anything like it before.



Bad news. Arrived at this village after four hours non stop walking to find the village seat occupied.

There seems to be a double exposure - that's never happened before.

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