The day is famous for its switchbacks which basically means you spend a lot of time climbing some very steep inclines and a similar amount of time going down the other side. Offa's Dyke path doesn't seem to do zig zags to lessen steep sections, it only does straight up and straight down. This is why we called it the Rollercoaster day, or Nessie day (as in the Loch Ness monster) - take your pick of which fires your imagination.
We're pleased to say that we loved the day. It was wonderful walking and we were mentally prepared; it is certainly true that the best things in life aren't always easy or cheap and all our climbing effort was amply rewarded.
It was a very sheepy day and very apparent that sheep love walking Offa's Dykes but also that they love pooping on the Dyke. We walked through loads of sheep poop as a result and weren't sure it was respectful to such an historic monument.
We bagged 2 more trig points for our sister blog on the way and also had our first heavy rain shower of the trip. We donned full waterproofs and cowered under a tree which gave some shelter. We were just a few steps away from the finger post marking the half way stage, 88.5 miles to Prestatyn and 88.5 miles to Chepstow.we needed a volunteer to go out in the rain for a picture and Yorkie drew the short straw!
The rain was over in about 30 minutes and our fur dried quickly. Our minders returned to shorts and t-shirts.
We rolled into Knighton at about 5.30 p.m. and installed ourselves in the George and Dragon pub. We recommend it for beer, food and accommodation. Sadly the Offa's Dyke visitors had shut at 5.00 p.m and didn't open again until 10.00 a.m. so we didn't get to visit.
Today we had a lovely 13.5 mile stretch into Kington (note Kington tonight Knighton last night - we haven't got confused. The weather was dry and sunny and the ascents and descents less punishing - but they will still there - we climbed over 800 metres. We saw hardly any one as we walked. This was unbelievable as the scenery was once again stunning on all sides. We compared it to the Lake District and agreed that noted that we had magnificent views over a much bigger area and not a person in sight. You just wouldn't get that in the Lakes, wonderful though they are.
As we turned off the Dyke to descend into Kington we said a sad farewell as it has been a constant friend for the last 80 miles. We think it ends now and we will miss it.
Tomorrow's walk into Hay on Wye sounds rather special though.
Lots of love George, Yorkie and Gio xxx
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
1 comment:
Well done for conquering the toughest day, and in rain, which can't have made the steep descents any easier, although may have speeded you up the climbs! We were a bit worried when you said it was like the Lake District - golly, had it been so wet lakes had formed?!! But no, you say it was just a shower luckily! No doubt Yorkie is all the more sparkling of fur coat after his shower! Bet the George and Dragon was a welcome sight that evening Hope you enjoy Hay on Wye tonight.
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