On the move!

Thursday 21st, and an ideal morning for a hike; mild, cloud cover but no rain expected, and a cool breeze. So I packed my lunch and headed off following a tour suggested by a hiking app on my phone.

It mostly worked well, except where a so called path met an impenetrable hedge; there were a couple of detours required. But lovely countryside

And loads of butterflies about. Here's the next generation: lots of striped caterpillars:

In one village I came across a telephone box repurposed as a library.

There was a bit more road walking than I really like, but when it's a quiet one, I should not moan too much.. certainly easier to walk on than stubble fields etc.

Soon into more congenial territory:

and then out the other side, what looked very much like a bit of Stourport basin, but on top of a hill in a cornfield.

Turns out it was the stable block for a big Manor house. Now, it's a Franciscan monastery.

Back into the woods by a stream. I wouldn't have noticed the mill remains without this little hint:

And a cute crossing: ideal spot for lunch.

The walk continued between woods and fields as I started to turn back towards the river. I was standing at the edge of a covert getting my bearings when I heard an extraordinary bark-yap noise, really loud. Soon after a dog fox crossed the path, must have been him. No photo, too quick!

The path had been more or less following the Severn for some time, when it dived down some really steep steps.. tricky after a long walk, I couldn't bend! Worth it for this though:

Back in the middle ages, hermits used to live here.

Amazing place. Anyway, back to the yomp, definitely feeling footsore by now.

The Bridge..  all I need do is .. climb .. these steps and .. cross over .. and only a .. mile back to the boat..

Ooft!

Friday, and I was letting the train take the strain. A phone chat with a friend reminded me that I didn't need to sit and worry about running out of water, when Conwy Classical Music festival was about to start.. so another flying visit, and back on Monday.

Splendid weekend meeting up with loads of friends and a thoroughly cathartic sing in the Festival evensong.

On Monday, onto the train late morning, thinking the first rush would have calmed down. Wrong! It was late and rammed, and I just got a tip up seat opposite the loo. 

At Rhyl, they were only letting people off, not on, and a group wanting to board had a complete meltdown. Much screaming, threatening and vile language ensued, with the train doors jammed open. 20 minutes later they'd been peeled off into the arms of the constabulary and we were on our way, all of us checking our connection times and platforms.

The rest of the journey was straightforward.  I hopped off the bus when I recognised Hartlebury Common, and strolled down to the boat, clocking lush blackberries on the way.

 Back at the boat, the rain came down just as I was getting ready to some grocery shopping. So I harvested some of our cherry toms instead.

And then changed to trousers and went shopping anyway. Andrew's back tomorrow and then the boating can resume.