Three Cathedrals Walk 2021 - Ready, Set . . . .

Me prior to latest lockdown!!

Well I'm almost ready for this year's 100 mile in 6 days "amble" 

Since the start of the latest lockdown I'll admit to being not quite as light as I ought to be. This picture shows me with shortish hair and a reasonably comfortable weight. I'm fairly sure that I have put on well over a stone in weight during the second lockdown some of which I will put down to having very heavy hair!! I can only hope that I will shed a few pounds during my walk, particularly as pubs are few and far between along the route!! Anything that I eat and drink will have to be carried with me.

I haven't been doing a huge amount of walking over the past month or so as I got a bit fed-up with doing the same few mud-free local walks. Instead I've been building up my stamina doing some "extreme" gardening with Denise at a local care home. Using sledge-hammers, chisels, picks & shovels have been the implements of choice. I have to admit that my favourite activity has been being a pyromaniac!! Bonfires to dispose of many large tree-stumps, brambles and undergrowth have been the highlight of my days!!

Tomorrow (Monday) I will be doing a gentle, warm-up group walk with five others near Hereford. We'll be doing a circular walk from Hampton Bishop beside the rivers Lugg and Wye. A gentle, flat walk finishing at a pub!! My idea of the ideal walk.

Then it'll be home, prepare feet for 100 continuous miles, an early night ready for an early start at Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday morning. Look out for the picture of a chubby, long-haired me outside the cathedral on my next post. Wish me luck!!

Marg’s Three Cathedrals Charity Walk 2021 is ON!

Today, Thursday 15th April, I should have driving up to Inverness ready to start my walk. Instead I am putting the finishing touches to my new, more local walk which I'm due to start on Tuesday 20th April.

100 Mile Route Map

This year I will be staying comparatively local and walking between three cathedrals. I will be following the Three Choirs Way which is a long distance footpath route roughly 100 miles long between the three cathedral cities and county towns of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford and between their cathedrals. The path also in this way links the two rivers of the three counties, the Severn, by the cathedrals of Gloucester and Worcester, and the Wye which runs by Hereford Cathedral. The path is named after the Three Choirs Music Festival (the first annual meeting believed to have been held in Gloucester in 1715). At the turn of the 19th Century Worcester born composer Edward Elgar became involved not only as organist and choirmaster but also through his own music. The Long Distance Walkers Association suggests that the pathway is not that well promoted by the County Council’s so there is a danger of overgrown paths, broken stiles and broken footbridges!! Wish me luck!!

I know that there are many calls on your generosity and that the whole world seems to be walking to raise money for something. As in the previous seven years of my Charity Walks I will be hoping to raise money for two charities close to my heart, the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association and Cancer Research UK. 

As a veteran and member of the Association I have benefitted from and see the support that this unique charity gives to often isolated female Army veterans. Walking alone, with one other and in Socially distanced groups with other WRAC Association members has kept me reasonably sane during this pandemic.

Me near start of walkwith asparagus
fields and Malvern Hills in
the distance

Walking Group at
Stanbrook Abbey,
Callow End

Walking Group at Much Marcle
Ridge looking west

I have had two diagnoses of cancer in the past decade and I have many family and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer, some of whom are still receiving treatment. I am grateful for the research that saved my life and I am well aware that the research must continue to find better treatments and quicker diagnosis.

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

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC

I am hoping to be able to run some raffles of WRAC memorabilia and other goodies in the future once I have completed my walking challenge - my usual 100 miles in 6 days!!

Intended Walk 2021

Covid-19 Stops Play - AGAIN!!

Sadly, yet again this year, I have to postpone my planned Scottish 100 Mile Charity Walk from Inverness to Fort William via the Great Glen Way.

Thanks to continuing issues regarding cross-border travel & accommodation during the Covid-19 pandemic my walk in April 2021 will not be possible. This pandemic continues to catch us out meaning that my Scottish Walk will have to be postponed for another year until April 2022.

I am aware that there are many calls upon your charitable natures and your purses at the moment. I WILL be doing a 100 Mile Walk for charity this year but at the moment I do not know when or where!! 

I will be posting information and articles on this annual walking Blog as well as on my Facebook page. I will also be opening this year's Virgin Money Giving page later once I have a better idea of what's happening (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC).

The logistics of completing a distance walk in under a week are complicated & I don't want to have to keep cancelling things. 

I have been doing circular walks from my home in Worcester for twelve months now and have to admit that the challenge now is to try and find something new and interesting to keep me going day after day for 100 miles.

Watch this space for developments!!

End of Walk, Day 7 Revisited

Yesterday, not surprisingly after walking 19.5 miles, I was a tad 'Cream Crackered'!! So here is the Day revisited in words and pictures.

You've already seen the picture of me starting from home very early in the morning. I walked via my normal backstreet route to Diglis Bridge over the River Severn.

Then, because I didn't think that I would cover the required mileage just walking around the outskirts, I started by taking the reverse route of the usual Worcester 10k Race.

I was heading eventually towards Worcester Bridge, bathed in early morning golden sunshine. 

I weaved back & fore around the Diglis area before walking along Kleve Walk, past all the flocks of swans and the lovely swan statue presented to the city and residents of Worcester by the citizens of the city of Kleve. 

It's actually the second casting of the sculpture as the first one was wrecked by vandals! 

I continued vaguely following the previous years 10k route but took a slight detour to take a photo of the High Street deserted partly because of 'lockdown' and partly because it was early on a Sunday morning. 

I crossed the road at Worcester Bridge and continued on to the racecourse and from there northwards through Gheluvelt Park towards Claines. 

As I walked across the racecourse I noticed an "Open Air Art Gallery", somewhat unofficial I would guess, where pictures, poems and 'objects' had been attached to trees. Some I thought quite uplifting and some a bit 'litter-ish'! It made me smile and I suppose that's why it was there.

It was when I headed away from the river towards Perdiswell and the canal that I noticed more 'Tree Art'. Some kids toys firmly attached to the tree. I realised that bits of 'Stuff' had been attached to or placed in and on trees and railings all over the city in the past week or so. Presumably to cheer people up as well as to give others something to do. 

The canal towpath had a few people out for their daily exercise, all of us keeping a safe distance whilst cheerily greeting each other, but I was now trying to find somewhere where I could take my mid-morning snack. 

I needed somewhere to cwtch down out of the wind but in the sun and a suitable distance from any passers bye. 

I found a semi-redundant stile half a dozen metres from the pathway 'kissing-gate' leading to a nature area. It was still a bit breezy and the sun kept coming and going so I didn't hang about.

I was now close to Sixways, home of the Worcester Warriors Rugby Club but I chose not to visit. 

Instead I headed to the nearby St Nicholas Church, Warndon, a Grade 1 listed building that is virtually untouched by Victorian restoration. 

From there I almost lost myself in the myriad of paths in and around Wardon Villages housing estates before emerging in the Worcester Woods area near County Hall where I stopped in a bit of shelter to eat my Elevenses. 

Again it was too cool to sit for too long so I headed towards the old government site (now another housing estate) at Whittington. 

I found another bit of history that I wasn't aware of. I came across an old WW2 'pill-box' thoughtfully (but not aesthetically) protected by Mowden House Builders together with an explanatory notice. 

I had now been walking for around 4 hours and my feet were starting to complain. I'd passed the requisite mileage  somewhere before Whittington so just wanted to get home as quickly and people-free as possible. I decided that the safest route was beside the main Southern Link road. The road was quieter than a normal Sunday but still not pleasant to walk beside.

The views of the Malverns as I walked downhill were brilliant. 

The sun on the steepest west facing slope was warming and, for the first part at least, the banking protected me from the wind. 

I had messaged Denise at County Hall to let her know how far I'd got but I was nearing The Ketch roundabout near Carrington Bridge when she rang me.

She had walked to Powick roundabout (the next one down) and decided to continue walking to meet me. 

We met half way along Temeside Way which had to be the most exposed section of walk that I had been on all week. 

The wind, which had started the day as a cold breeze, had turned into a freezing, gusty, blustery gale. It buffeted us precariously towards the traffic. 

Poor Denise was almost as exhausted as I having walked towards me with the wind full in her face.

We made it back home via the back roads again admiring the blossom in the gardens as we passed. 


I had completed my walk without major incident and both of us were relieved to be back in the warm and out of the wind. 

My first port of call, having taken my outdoor clothes and my boots off and washed my hands thoroughly, was sustenance!!

Two soft boiled eggs, soldiers (of course!! ) and, as a homage to my friend Wendy Hooton, a beer from Bury St Edmunds Greene King Brewery, an East Coast IPA. 


My walk is completed, all 104 miles of it, but my fundraising continues via my Virgin Money Giving website page:  https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDaviesWRAC

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me by donating to my fundraising. 104 Miles Done. THANK YOU xx

Also I would like to thank all my supporters for the continued kind comments on Facebook (not sure why this won't let you comment). 

I do these walks for a number of reasons: to keep fit; to challenge myself; but, most importantly, to raise awareness and funds for my charities. 

Your charity in supporting me this year means a lot - rest assured the money you donate goes straight to Cancer Research and WRAC Association. 

Thank you.

I'm also considering continuing with my Blog if and when there is something vaguely interesting to report. I'm certainly hoping to have something to report tomorrow so watch this space. . . . . . .

Day 7 Sunday 29th March 2020

This morning, as the hoped for finale to my 100 Mile "Not Scotland" Solo Walk around and about Worcester, I decided to try and circumnavigate Worcester City from my home. 

I had no real idea how far it would be but I hoped that it would be close to 15 miles. 

Denise had said that, if I didn't quite make the total today, we could both walk the extra on our daily walking exercise tomorrow. I must admit that was tempting! 

As it happens I've completed my walk today. 

104 miles in total after today's 19.5 miles! 

I have to admit that it was tough and I'm very tired - too tired to do today's Blog justice. 

I will leave you with some photos and the promise that I'll write properly tomorrow. 

I had to put in the photo of Denise (she's going to kill me!!) as she walked up the Southern Link Road in the teeth of the gale to meet me and walk the mile or so back home with me. 

The wind was so strong by that time that we were buffeted almost off the path. Where would my walks be without her support? 

And, where would my walking friends be without her delicious cake!! More tomorrow I promise.

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.