Day 6 Saturday 28th March 2020

Another early start and, dressed in my green WRAC Association walking shirt, I headed off in a westerly direction again across the 'greens' of the closed Golf Course (not really; don't panic golfers!!) 

I feel a theme coming on. 

Don't worry, this is me on a field nearby not the golf course.

I discovered this glorious Red Robin hedge in the village of Rushwick. It was a cheery splash of colour on what started out as a rather cold, gloomy and windy day. I followed the same route I'd taken yesterday but, instead of crossing the main Hereford road, I continued down it to Bransford Bridge. 

This is one of the many Worcestershire bridges that was under water during the recent flooding. 

My walks normally are meticulously planned. This year they have been more 'ad hoc'. I had planned the first couple of days but after that it has just happened!! 

Today though I'd a rough idea of where I was going but I decided as I was walking that I would generally stick to lanes and quiet roads rather than crossing farmland. 

It meant I could get a wiggle on despite stopping frequently to listen to birdsong, admire views or take photos. 

The weather remained cold thanks to a brisk northerly wind but there were brief spells of sunshine to brighten up the gloom as my pictures of the different views of the Malvern Hills show.

Back to my 'green' theme mentioned earlier. Today was my day for being in greens. First stop Collett's Green; closely followed by Bowling Green (a place not a game); Bastonford intervened before I arrived at Deblin's Green where I headed away from the road and towards the Old Hills again.

I have decided that sheep are hilarious (I also can see where humans get their flock or herd mentality from, stupidly following on just because the first in line did!) 
I came upon a farmer and his three fields of sheep. He was feeding two of the flocks who had lovely little spring lambs. Prior to his arrival the sheep were safely grazing, a calm and idyllic pastoral scene. The minute he pulled up at the first field all serenity evaporated. 
I have never heard such a cacophony as the sheep headed towards the farmer. Long forgotten were the lambs who were left behind looking after their mums in bewilderment (looking a bit 'sheepish' too!!) The mums in the first field fed their faces whilst their offspring flocked together trying to avoid the farmer; the sheep in the second field (who all appeared to be 'lambless') continued the din of baa-ing as if complaining that they weren't being fed. The farmer (to loud, disgruntled Baa's) drove off to feed the flock in the third field leaving flock number two still following him and complaining. Blimey! What a racket! Worse than an WRAC Association dinner-night!

Nine miles completed and I stopped, intending to grab some elevenses even though it was only 10 o'clock. I sat on a bench at the foot of the Old Hills and the wind cut through me like a knife. Bother to that idea, it was freezing, I took a photo and then carried on till I was able to reach the safety and warmth of Denise's car which was parked at St Cloud whilst she did her gardening. I was able to change my socks, put my feet up and munch my 'Tens-es' before setting off back to Worcester. I decided that I'd take a slightly different route back to Powick so took the lane down to Pixham and then turned up the lane leading to the village of Callow End. From there it was the familiar route along the Three Choirs Way, over fields , through Powick churchyard and out onto Powick Hams at Powick Roundabout. I could have gone straight home but I felt I needed a few more miles under my belt so I turned up the Southern Relief Road (as picturesque as it sounds!) until I had passed Wick Episcopi (where do the English get their names from?) and then headed back across the Golf Course (steering well clear of the greens I assure you Mary!) until I reached home again.

Another good day with 15.5 miles covered making a grand total of 84.5 miles to date.

With a bit of luck I might finish the challenge tomorrow, completing it in 7 days as I had originally intended. 

Now to plan where I might walk tomorrow!!

If you'd like to donate please do so at:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC

Day 5 Friday 27th March 2020

Early start again to beat the hordes. I left the house at 0645 and this time I headed westward out of the city through the grounds of Worcester City Golf and Country Club. 

I  crossed the still busy A4440 (Worcester Southern Link Road) by means of a fairly high footbridge and on to the village of Rushwick (waving to our nieces house as I passed - too early to expect movement!!) 

Once I'd skirted the village I then headed down towards Bransford Bridge which gave me an idea for tomorrow's walk!! But you'll have to wait till tomorrow for that!

I crossed the equally busy main road which leads eventually to Hereford and headed up Otherton Lane. There would have been a spectacular view of the Malverns if it hadn't been so misty. That was to my left and a sizeable Solar Farm was to my right. I bet they generate a bit more electricity than my 28 panels! 

It wasn't long before I came to and had to cross the busy main A44 Leominster road - hopefully that was the last of the major roads until I come back into Worcester city again. 

I did notice today that the forecast for cooler weather had arrived. It was hazier with a cold and freshening northerly wind. I suspect its only going to get cooler over the weekend. 

Most of my walking today was on earth/mud paths across fields and skirting villages with a sprinkling of tarmacked lanes and pavements. My route took me through Upper and Lower Broadheath. 

I visited the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar again and took a picture of the front of the house looking very picturesque in the Spring sunshine. I was now on the same route that I'd walked yesterday, only in reverse. 

From the Broadheaths I skirted Peachley and walked down the lane towards Hallow again. 


In the distance I could see the spire of the church. 


The climb up towards the village church didn't seem as steep yesterday when I was descending!! 

I decided to take a little detour to get a good picture of the magnificent and imposing Church of St Philip & St James (maybe that's why its so big - its named after TWO saints!!) 

I had been walking for just over 3 hrs and in that time I had met 3 walkers and 3 runners. Social Distancing at its best. 

From the church I went down the steps into the woods below Hallow. Although climbing down isn't as lung-busting as ascending I think its trickier as there's always a chance of catching ones foot on the uneven steps and pitching headfirst downwards. Reader - I took great care!! 

At last I had made it back to the River Severn again. 


I headed southwards along the flood-worn path, back towards the city. 


I came across the fallen tree that I'd clambered over in a very ungainly fashion yesterday.

Today I decided to take my backpack off and crawl under it; still ungainly but probably safer. 

Mind you, I did manage to bang my head again on the self-same branch as yesterday! 

I had my Elevenses closer to midday sitting on a very substantial concrete bridge 'parapet'. I was just packing up when it seemed (after the solitude) as though the world and its wife were walking out of Worcester. First a young couple, then an older couple and finally a young couple with a baby in a buggy. Everyone kept their 'Social Distance' and it was nice to see folk out enjoying the sun. 


As I got closer to Sabrina Bridge so I could see more people. I had already stepped aside to let a runner and a gentleman with what appeared to be a bag of shopping pass and I could see more folks in front of me.

Wishing to avoid any further contact I headed up a path away from the river. I'm not sure that was the easiest bit of walking of the day. Stairway to St Johns!! 


I managed to reach home via a slightly circuitous route which included crossing the empty Golf Course again. 


I am very pleased with today's walk.

On top of everything else all my gizmos decided to work properly. 


I managed 16.5 miles which makes a total of 69 miles so far. 


Only another 31 miles to go!!

Just when I was feeling very pleased with myself I looked outside and noticed my neighbour across the road doing her Self Isolation by cleaning out her driveway drains. 


She's 88 years young!! 


Amazing lady who does so much to support my walks and raffles for the WRAC Association.

Day 4 Thursday 26th March 2020

After seeing all the traffic yesterday, particularly cars, on my walk to Callow End and back, today I was contemplating driving to Hollybush at the southern end of the Malvern Hills. My intention was to park up in the car park and do a figure of eight walk on this quieter side of the hills. Probably taking in the Iron Age fort at Holybush, the Obelisk at Eastnor and then cutting back to circumnavigate Ragged Stone Hill and possibly Chase End Hill. As I say, that was my intention but,  . . . . after a lot of tossing, turning and thinking overnight I decided that I would obey the letter of the law, leave my car at home and walk from my front doorstep again. 

Being a city (all be it a small one that feels more like a large market town), there are a fair few folks trying to keep fit! The earlier the better as far as avoiding people is concerned so this morning I set off at 0645!!


Even so, having decided that I would take in the city riverscape first, there were a few others doing the same, mostly runners and cyclists. We all kept our safe distances and generally gave a cheery "Good Morning" as we passed. 

I followed the Severn Way northwards heading out of the city towards the village of Hallow. It was another glorious day if a little chilly. Although I had passed or seen half a dozen people on the city 'centre' paths, once I was level with (but on the opposite side of) the racecourse I was on my own. Solitary splendour; just how I like my walks (WRAC Hereford Branch Walking Group no offence!!). 


The path wound through scrub woodland that had until recently been submerged in weeks of flooding. Considering the deluge that we had experienced over the last couple of months I was surprised that the path was so good.

It was a bit soggy in patches but all the footbridges were intact and I only came across one fallen tree semi-blocking the path. I required some clambering to overcome this obstacle. I think my days of tree climbing are long gone.



Yet again today my Activity App had decided I was too sloth-like. I'd travelled around 3 miles but the App showed only 0.04mls. It's getting worse!! 

I switched it off & on; shook it (that brilliant technical move!!); told it I was hiking and then put it in my pocket and hoped for the best!

The path that I wanted to take veered away from the Severn Way and the River Severn itself and headed towards the village of Hallow. Hallow has a 'stonking' great church which is evidence that it must have been a very rich estate and probably a very lucrative 'living' for some clergymen.

The only problem about coming away from the river is that it always involves a climb. This path was no exception, a stairway to heaven!! 


I met my first walker halfway up the steps. I didn't hesitate in stepping off the path to allow her to pass at a safe distance. To be truthful, I was glad of the break in climbing. We passed the time of day and marveled at our fortune with the weather. 


Once at the top it was but a short walk to and across the main road and down the other side of the village to reach the minor road leading to the next village. There was a path across farmland that might have sufficed but the "coos" from yesterday were still fresh in my mind so I stuck to the road.

The road led to a lane and the lane to a path through and around the village of Lower Broadheath. In all this time of walking I had met one other walker and a couple of cyclists. I'd also managed to stay off the busier roads. 


The final bit of my outward leg was across Broadheath Common a wide, open kind of large village green. 


It was deserted apart from the many cars & vans on the roads skirting it.

Finally I started to head home along the Three Choirs Way. 


This part of the Way is from Hereford to Worcester and it passes the birthplace of the composer most associated with the Three Choirs Festivals, Edward Elgar. 


The House has fairly recently been purchased and refurbished by the National Trust. 

Apart from the original house it also has a large Visitor Centre (with cafe when its open) 

The Three Choirs Way winds between Elgar's family home and the new Centre. 

This first part of the Three Choirs Way, up to the crest of Atchen Hill, was very boggy so yet again I got muddy boots! I decided to stop for a break and some refreshment halfway down the other side of the hill in the sunlight. I mused on how idyllic it all was (corona virus not withstanding) sitting in the sun, munching on a homemade wrap (easier to eat and transport than sandwiches), listening to the sounds of nature and the farm machinery working away in the distance. My rest over (& I'd finished my food!) so I headed onwards cresting another small hill until I could see Worcester sprawled out before me. I was within a mile of the city limits. The path was narrower as I looked to start my descent. Coming up the hill towards me were two couples each a safe distance apart. I waited (it seemed like an age!) till the first couple passed with their equally slow moving dog. And then, a few moments later, the second couple passed. They remarked on how fit and lean we were all going to be at the end of this mayhem! Once they had passed I continued my way down hill towards so called civilisation . . . . and people.

I managed to avoid most people by crossing to the other side of the street or taking lesser paths and roads until I finally reached home again having solo walked a 'tidy' 12.5 miles. 

Over half of my intended 100 miles completed. Let's hope the weather holds a bit longer. At this rate it's going to take me another 5 to 6 days to reach target - always providing we don't end up in lockdown.

No flowers today so here's one I took earlier!! 

Day 3 Wednesday 25th March 2020

Another glorious day for walking. I'm so glad I brought the start date forward. As I, of necessity, have walked some parts day after day it's been fascinating to see nature literally "Spring" into life. We were up fairly early and Denise dropped me off just on the Worcester side of Powick village on her way to work on the 'Allotment" (or garden) at St Cloud Care Home, Callow End.

I walked up through the churchyard and out onto the fields beyond heading towards my turn-around point on The Old Hills, just outside Callow End.

The peace and quiet that people talk about since this Covid-19 took hold is not apparent on my particular walks, probably because I'm too close to still busy main roads. It is true that I notice and appreciate more birdsong than normal but the Police & Ambulance sirens, the roar of motorbikes and the thrum of heavy goods vehicles still fill the air. As I start my walks so early there are very few people out and about other than in vehicles. So I really am Solo Walking most of the time.

It wasn't long before I caught up with the Three Choirs Way, a route that connects the three cathedral cities of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester. 


This particular stretch goes from Worcester Elgar Statue towards where Edward Elgar is buried at St Wulstan's Church, Little Malvern.

In Callow end, at the corner of Jennet Tree Lane, I walked past Stanbrook Abbey which, until recently, was a Monastery (or should that be Nunnery?), but now is a rather swish hotel. I continued along the Three Choirs Way my climb rewarded with views of Worcester to the north of me and Malvern t the south-west. I continued  downwards again and onwards to the Old Hills. Not sure why they're called that, could it be that they pre-date the 'new' Malvern Hills? Sorry, that kind of geography didn't come into my Key Stage 2 teaching!

 

The climb up to the top of the Old Hills wasn't too difficult just hampered a bit by the still soggy and boggy ground, particularly where it had been churned up by horses. The views from the top were wonderful, Worcester, the Malverns and Powick old Mental Hospital which is now part of a new housing estate.

I walked across the still busy road and up through the woods until I reached St Cloud to have my morning break sitting in the sun with Denise. I checked my Satmap 3.5 miles.


This part of the walk had taken me over an hour and during that time I had seen 1 person to hail from a distance and 2 more in the far distance walking their dogs.


Break over I headed back the way that I had come. There were a few more cars parked and I saw a mother & two children enjoying the spring sunshine. Obviously the other car occupants were off walking their dogs but I didn't see them. 

On my way back to Worcester I walked past fields that were being prepared for planting. I assumed by the shape of the furrows that they were awaiting asparagus plants. 

I do wonder who is going to plant crops as I'm sure that many foreign farm-workers have returned to their home countries. Are we Brits going to fill the gap? 

My thoughts and thanks go to the farmers who are working so hard to keep things going.

I was very pleased to find a sunny bench in Powick churchyard where I could have a brief rest and put my feet up for a moment of two. I wish I knew more about birdsong. I have found over the last few days that I can hear and enjoy their songs but I can rarely see them. Even if I do spy them perched in the budding branches I struggle to identify more than the common few that I know. 

I decided to check my Activity App and see how I was doing. 
Major Tech Fail again!! 


It was registering 0.4mls and that was after I had walked at least 6.5 miles. Glad I wasn't relying on it today!!


The route from Powick to my home could have been done on the main road but that would not have been very pleasant. Some road work is inevitable but I try to get onto paths across or beside fields where possible. so, once I had traversed Powick roundabout I took to Monarch's Way again in the hope that I could follow the Severn to within a half mile of home. 

The first problem occurred - cows! Inquisitive cows!! VERY inquisitive cows. At one point I was surrounded - but I just kept moving (moo-ving?), calmly, talking gently to them as I headed for the gate. 
I didn't turn round till I was safely through, my heart pounding and my knees definitely shaking!!


A bit of light relief after that scarey moment was when I found a football. A proper, almost fully inflated, leather football. It must have been a victim of the recent floods. I kicked it along the path for a while until I came upon a couple and their two dogs. I suggested they might like the ball which they thought their dogs might shred in minutes. I left it, with their agreement, as they were curious to see what the dogs would do!! I wonder.

It was lunchtime when I got within a mile of home and the second problem cropped up. There were many more people, singly or in two's, out for their daily exercise. 


I decided to leave the river and wound my way through the backstreets, seeing far fewer people, until I reached the safety of home. 


A good days walk and another 11.5 miles completed; that makes a total of around 40 miles in 3 days! 

Thank the good Lord for this brilliant weather.

And thank you to my nephews for not drinking too much beer last time you came round!! Cheers!!

Day 2 Tuesday 24th March 2020

Well the Prime Minister's directive last night has put a slightly different slant on things. Denise and I have to remain socially isolated (we've already been doing this). Only one of us will be doing any shopping about once a week so little change there, just not going together. At the moment neither of us has any call upon any part of our health service although I'm sure my future dental appointment will be cancelled. 
The 'interesting' ones are the exercise and no unnecessary journeys. Once a day walking, running, cycling or going to the allotment allowed. My brother & sister-in-law (in their 70's) have been taking their car to a secluded spot and then walking because where they live has busy roads and lots of people. Is that an unnecessary journey?
So where does that put me and my walk? My form of exercise is and always has been walking. Denise prefers gyms (not allowed) and gardening.

 
Not just her own garden but she volunteers for two healthcare gardens, Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven and, more recently, St Cloud Nursing Home. The work that she does outdoors brings great comfort and pleasure to patients and residents. Are either of these unnecessary journeys? If she is allowed to journey there and I tag along for the ride can I then walk back home?

Needs thinking about. I'll let you know what I decide . . . . or what is decided for me!!


One of my main reasons for doing this walk right now is that my cousin (who I used to walk out and about in her pram when she was a baby and I was about 8!) was due to go into the  Royal London Hospital for a cancer operation today but its been cancelled. I had dedicated this year's walk to her for her speedy recovery and return to good health. She is one of many family and friends who are going through cancer at the moment and I know how that feels.

Walking in isolation

Today I went out for my one walk at 0745 this morning in the hope that there were not too many other people doing the same. It was another cool but sunny morning as I headed from home back along the Monarch's Way towards Powick Bridge again. 
I have decided that I'd give you another bit of history of the area. 

Firstly I was able to overlook the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Teme today. Yesterday there was a young lady enjoying the peace and quiet so I let it be. 

Probable site of Boat Bridge
across the River Severn

Today I was able to stand and picture in front of me the bridge of boats that Cromwell had strung across the Severn. This was the tactic that won the battle, his ability to move his troops rapidly from the eastern side of Worcester (Red Hill and Fort Royal) to  the western side at Powick and to repel the Royalist at both Fort Royal and those advancing from St John's.



I continued my journey beside the Teme tramping through the early morning wet grass.

I noticed that my walking boots appeared to shine in the sunlight as if I had "bulled" them for some ceremony.


I hadn't! It was just the dew glistening.


And so it was back to Powick Bridge again (the site of the first skirmish of the Civil War)

This time I was concentrating on Powick Mills on the western side of the bridge.It is thought that there have been mills on this site since Medieval times. They used water power, initially from Laughern Brook and later, more reliably by diverting part of the Teme. 

In the 18th Century it became an Iron Forge where pig iron was brought in by boat, heated in furnaces and hammered using water power. Later a rolling mill was developed which squashed the bars into sheets again using water power. 

The same technology was also used to crush material for the Worcester Porcelain factory.

In 1894 a hydro electric power station was built on the site. At the time it was the largest one in Britain and the first one built by a local authority.



This is the structure that we see today.

From Powick Bridge I made a detour to Powick Church another site closely connected to the Civil Wars. Cromwell's reinforcements from Wales were harried by snipers in and on the church tower. 

If you look closely at the second picture you can see, to the right and a little below the larger tower window, some round pitted marks on the wall not far from the modern drainage pipe. They are reputed to be shot holes from musket fired at the Royalist defenders. 





Today I managed to walk 10 miles in one go although my technology would tell you different! 
My Satmap said 10 miles when I stopped it but only 9.85 miles once I'd saved it!! 
My phone App decided it wasn't playing after only 3.36 miles!!





I think I'll stick to flowers 😃