Final Thoughts - 3 Choirs Way, 2021

 

It's the day after (actually it’s not because I forgot to press the publish button!!) my six day walk between the three cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester. 

This morning I allowed myself a lie-in, I didn't get up until 7.30am!!

Although Denise had been to the Severn Heights Nursing Home garden every day over the last week she decided to go again today. I thought I'd go with her & then drive on to meet some of my walking group on the Malverns. 

Rather than just lazing about Denise decided I could help her move another railway sleeper to keep soil back. I say help . . . it involves me guiding one end of the sleeper while she first lumps & lifts it onto the wheelbarrow & then trundles the barrow down to the bottom of the walled garden. I assure you that it's 98% effort from Denise & 2% hindrance from me!

After my exhausting effort I drove up to Sally's Place, the lovely kiosk at British Camp by the Herefordshire Beacon where I met five of my ex-WRAC walking group. Over coffee, & in my case a delicious bacon & egg bap, we caught up with the gossip before they headed off on a circuit of the hills whilst I got back in the car & headed back to the peace & tranquility of the walled garden. A small part of me wished I'd been joining the walk . . . a very small part!

So here I am, sitting on a comfy chair in the sunshine, contemplating this year's Walking Challenge. Best bits, worst bits, funniest bits and most annoying bits! 

First of all, despite all the moans and rants that appear, hot off the press, on my daily Blog, I really do enjoy my walks.

I started all this eight years ago when I'd been given the all clear after my first brush with Breast Cancer. I had struggled with putting on weight and, more seriously, mental health caused by a loss of control over my life partly due to the diagnosis & treatment for cancer. Coming out the other side of treatment can give you a love for life and a thankfulness that you've survived. It gave me a need to 'pay-back' for the quality of life I'd been given. In my case to say 'Thank-you' to Cancer Research, the Worcestershire Breast Care Unit, St Richard's Hospice & the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association for the physical and mental support they gave me. So my Annual 100 Mile Charity Walking Challenge started back in 2014.

Anyway, back to this year. 

Best of all was the sheer pleasure of walking in the wonderful English Spring countryside. The beautiful landscapes, a rural idyll with its rivers & streams, pastures, hedgerows, woods & fields.

The variety of flora & fauna that I came across all seemingly bursting with the joy of spring.

The fabulous patchwork of fields in varieties of brown, yellow & green.

The continuous exuberant chirping of birds celebrating the glorious weather. It definitely gives me that "Great to be alive" feeling. 

Close contenders for Best Bits was firstly meeting my wife, her sister & brother-in-law for coffee on Day 1 in Malvern before climbing to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon or . . . .

. . . . secondly being met by my friends with a picnic (including beer and a comfy picnic chair!) at lunchtime on Day 6.

Worst bit I'm afraid was the walk from Hampton Bishop to Hereford Cathedral on Day 4.

I was asked today why it made me so cross.

I think it was a combination of it being hot, a very poorly marked pathway to start that put me a good half-mile from the true path and then having to tramp across acres of potato drills all earthed up.

This was followed by the narrowest of pavements beside the long, boring, traffic-laden major road into the centre of Hereford. My poor Denise bore the brunt of my chuntering!!

Close contender for either the worst or scariest/daftest bits -  the COOOS!! (cows) 

It didn't seem to matter where I was or how far away I was they saw me and came enthusiastically to investigate!

My friend David, an ex- farm manager, said that it took some nerve to stand ones ground.

"They will slide to a halt," he assured me.

I'm afraid I will never be brave enough to put that to the test!!

Actually, cows quietly grazing or with their young weren't the problem. They were docile enough so long as I gave them a wide enough berth.

It was the young heffers & bullocks, away from mums and all herded together. Frisky & with herd mentality - reminded me of  army training for crowd control in BAOR with 29 Company, WRAC!!!!

I'm not sure there were any proper funny bits this year but there were certainly some inspirational moments. On two separate days I met two different pairs of women walking dogs. As one does we got chatting and it transpired that one lady from each of the groups had had a kidney removed due to cancer. One 3 years ago and the other 13 years previously. Both looked extremely fit and healthy, each enjoying their walking and the joys of spring. I found that very heartening and inspirational.

Most annoying thing had to be my lockdown hair!! Sadly I was unable to get a hair appointment till the week after my walk so my lockdown-locks were flowing freely.

For most of the week that meant hair blowing across my face and me sprouting wings around my ears where my unruly curls sprang in all directions. 

My hair is so long that, for the first time since I was about 10 years old, I could tie it up at the back - not that it would have done any good!!

It was really irritating!

I would like to thank the one person who makes all these walks possible; my lovely, understanding, patient wife Denise.

I would also like to thank all my family, friends, acquaintances and folk who don't even know me for their support this year and often over the past eight years. 

My Virgin Money Giving Page is still open for anyone who wishes to donate to my two charities. I assure you that all other expenses I incur are covered by myself. The link is:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC

So, another year older and I still haven't done my Scotland walk. I planned it for 2020 then again for this year. Maybe next year, 2022, I'll finally get to walk the Great Glen Way!!

Day 6 - Three Choirs Way - Final Day

 Munderfield Row to Worcester Cathedral

It's finished. I'm sitting in a comfy chair in the sun drinking a cold beer. My ancient "gardening" boots are off and my poor, sore feet are enjoying some fresh air & freedom!! 100 miles completed!! 

I seem fortunate to always pick a week of fine weather for these annual walks. I've now put a jinks on all future walks!! Yes - there will be one next year!!

The day started beautifully sunny again but with a bitingly cold northerly wind that made me keep my fleece on up to lunchtime.

I knew that today was going to be long with some climbs and it was a  bit up and down across the valleys from Munderfield to Suckley. 

It was typically beautiful English countryside with rolling hills, lush grassland, the bleating of sheep and a whole chorus of birdsong . . .

. . . but I still had around 18 miles to cover!!

You will almost as pleased as I was to know that no cows were encountered today.

The only ones I saw were on the other side of a very sturdy hedge & gate next to a lane I was walking down. 

There were loads of birds, particularly skylarks over the fields.

I also saw a buzzard up close & personal but no Red Kites though I was told they are about not far from Knightwick.

I did come across some rather unusual animals at Knightwick Manor. I first spied them in the distance as I made my way down through the woods and onto the road.

I couldn't believe my eyes. As I came closer I realised that I was correct - the very high fences confirmed it - there was a herd of deer!!

I suspect they are bound for the venison shelves in supermarkets!

After a very pleasant and not too strenuous (apart from walking about 10 miles!!) mornings "amble" I made my way down to the Surgery at Knightwick where my friends, Paul & Joan kindly met me with a picnic.

Ever thoughtful they had even provided chairs for these aged bones!! Denise had said this morning that if the brought a picnic rug they'd need to be strong enough to haul me upright again after lunch!! Cheeky!!

We dined on Spicy Chicken wraps, Chocolate Caramel Brownies AND Lemon Drizzle cake all washed down with a very acceptable bottle of The Hop Sheds Amber Ale, Wyberton (all their beers are named after chickens because the brewery is in an old chicken shed!!

I took my leave of Paul & Joan and set off again towards Worcester.

The actual Three Choirs Way climbs up & then down Ankerdine Hill.with a summit 490ft high . . . and then back down!!

I knew there was an easier way.

There was, beside the River Teme to Broadwas and then back up the lanes to Broad Green and so back on the Three Choirs Way. The mileage is about the same but it was a lot kinder on my feet, knees and legs!!

From Broad Green it was a comparatively easy, flat (ish!) walk across the fields to Broadheath which was Edward Elgar's birthplace and has a NT museum (his family home) dedicated to his life & works. I was going to take a photo but Denise rang me so I passed it without stopping!!. 

It wasn't long before I crested the hill by Oldbury Farm and got my first glimpse of the Cathedral.

I walked down past the University and down further to the river. That was the long bit I was comparing to the approach to Hereford on Friday. Boring but wider pavements and less traffic. 

I crossed Worcester Bridge, made my way up Copenhagen Street, past all the folks enjoying their picnics beside the River Severn.

I turned along Deansway catching site of the Cathedral again.

As I rounded the corner opposite Cathedral Square I saw Denise waiting for me by the War Memorials. 

I HAD MADE IT!! 

Today I completed 17.3 miles.

That gives me a grand total of 100.3 miles for the complete Three Choirs Way!!

And now . . . food, rest & another cold beer.

My grateful thanks in particular to my wonderful wife, Denise, without whom none of this would be possible.

Also a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me again this year either with emails, messages and donations to my two charities; the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association who is the only charity supporting all females who served or are still serving in the British Army; Cancer Research UK who fund vital research into cancer and its treatments, saving lives like my own.

If you would like to sponsor me via my Virgin Money Giving page please follow this link:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC

Day 3 - Three Choirs Way

 Gloucester to Kempley

Gloucester was my starting point for the 3rd day of my Three Cathedrals Walk.

It was a fairly chilly start, there had even been a little frost on the car as we set off from Worcester.

I was glad of the gentle climb away from Gloucester to warm me against the biting wind. Somewhere in the background, if you look very carefully you can see the tower of Gloucester Cathedral.

The sun shone most of the day but the wind cut like a knife!.

I know I've long legs but
that step is ridiculous

Despite my worries that Gloucester County Council in particular don't promote the Three Choirs Way the path wasn't too bad, possibly because in some places it was a dual path, Wysis Way or Daffodil Way among others.

Denise also mentioned what a lot of pathways she noticed crossing roads & lanes as she drove around dropping me off & picking me up.

Signposting was sporadic, some stiles were ridiculously difficult and some path routes needed a certain amount of guesswork (& a Gizmo!!).

For the most part I avoided cattle. The first part was lane's, woodland and lush pasture.

There was one narrow field where there were cattle lying down at the far end.

I ventured across as quickly as I could without breaking into a trot.

As I climbed over the stile I noticed the cattle galloping towards me!!

Picture as evidence!!

I did have another encounter with a herd of cows & their calves. They were too busy feeding to worry much about me but I did give them a very wide berth. So much so that the farmer and his two year old sheepdog, Puppy (!), came to see what I was doing. I explained I was giving them a wide berth and he kindly escorted me around his farm and pointed me in the right direction to continue.

Round about my lunch stop at Clifford's Mesne

(I've no idea how to pronounce it!!)

I noticed some folk working on an electricity  pylon.

Now there's a job I wouldn't fancy!!

I wonder if they could see Gloucester any better than I?

It's somewhere there in the distance!!

I had my lunch contemplating tomorrow's Walk including Much Marcle Ridge - another climb!!

My only other encounter with animals were the llamas at Briery Hill Farm near Kilcot.

I wonder if they do Walking with Llamas?

Something to carry the backpack?

That was the last of the pictures for the day as I knew Denise would be waiting & I'd had to take another mile long detour to avoid another field of cattle. I also looked at the map and saw that the last mile was across fields & right beside a dairy farm!! I chickened out and took a track out of Dymock Wood onto the road leading to Kempley, my finish. 

Another 16.3 miles under my belt. Halfway around (or thereabouts!!)

Day 2 - Three Choirs Way

 Another early start to try & beat the rush-hour traffic. 

It was a bit of a grey start to the day here in Worcester as Denise attempted to take a start photo of me in our garden looking alert and ready for the off - NOT!!

The route down from Hollybush to Whiteleaved Oak was easy enough. It's a route that I've done many times before. 

I then took the lane down to Chase End Street. 

Then it was across the fields towards King's End where I encountered problem number one of the day. A field of very curious, frisky young bullocks!

They were all lying down, basking in the little bit of sunshine that had appeared, as I approached. 

Then they espied me on my side of the stile. 

They rose as one and galloped towards me. 

I stayed my side of the fence and tried to find an alternative route into another field. 

No such luck to the right although the bullocks did follow me on their side of the fence. 

I retraced my steps and tried the other side . . . . and they followed me all the way!!

Eventually I found a way out onto the lane and paused to take a lovely portrait of one of the 'cooos' 

From a distance, with a substantial hedge between them and me I have to admit they almost look kinda sweet!!

Almost!!

Panic over and I continued on my way to Pendock mostly by quiet lanes. 

My walking gizmo decided to have a hiccup so I hastily took a slightly blurry photo of the distance from Hollybush to Pendock.

4.84 miles - a bit further than expected thanks to the cattle!! 

I think my gizmo was put off by the cattle - I know I was!

Gizmo restarted after a lot of swearing and I was able to continue. 

From there I followed some clearly defined pathways across cattle-free fields until I reached the Chartist settlements around Staunton. Lovely names to the hamlets and villages in this area: 

Snig's End, Corse, Corse Lawn. 

Very "English"  

I could see a ridge in the distance and knew I'd have to climb it. 

The only real climb of the day. 

It was a short but incredibly steep climb followed by another field of cows with young calves! They were far more docile and not near my path so I carried on. 

I crossed another lane and then came across herd number three. Young cattle in my field, their mums and a bull in the next door field! The stile was right beside the gateway where Mums and calves were chatting over the fence!! the youngest calves were very interested and the older ones very skittish. I managed to find a way onto the farm track and ended up in the farmyard where I met the farmer & explained why I was in his yard. (No photo this time!!)

The rest of my walk was either on lanes, arable fields or with sheep. I have a feeling that I'm going to be doing some more lengthy detours to avoid cattle before the week is out. 

I wandered through the village of Ashleworth. There must be some money in the village. It's quite close Gloucester city and there was a lot of renovation building work going on and some very picturesque, large cottages. 

The lane leading to the river was long and I was hungry.

My late lunch was beside the River Severn, again sitting in the sunshine. 

Once fed & watered I made my way along a lane towards the village of Maisemore where I caught my first glimpse of Gloucester Cathedral. 

Here in Maisemore I crossed over the West Channel of the Severn. The river divides into a West and East Channel just north of Maisemore and rejoins a bit further south.

I'm not sure if Alney Island refers to the land between these two channels or the large road roundabout (& island) that sits on it!! 

Some of the land is a Nature Reserve, Richard's Wood, which was created to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the charter given to the people of Gloucester by King Richard III.

There was a little dicing with traffic as I made my way towards the city centre. 

I arrived at Westgate Street Car Park moments after Denise had arrived from Worcester and we walked the last few hundred yards together. 

The Cathedral looked as magnificent as I remembered.

So that's 12 miles from Pendock to Gloucester and 4.84 miles from Hollybush to Pendock. 

If we discount detours for cattle I've probably walked another 16.5 miles on Day 2. 

That makes a total of around 35 miles between the two cathedrals in two days which sounds about right. 

If you would like to sponsor me via my Virgin Money Giving page please follow this link:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC