And this begins the hardest day of walking for me. My knee had NOT healed (and it would not for another week or so). But I felt it was better enough to press forward. So, I did. Because that’s what you do.
Also, I thought setting out that I had about an 8 mile walk. I’m not sure where the miscalculation came in, perhaps to do with where I was staying, but it ended up being another 16 miles day. However, it was 100% worth it, a beautiful day of walking!
I added at least 1.5 miles on my daily total by missing the signpost and walking around a golf course. I’m really glad I felt something was “off” and checked my OS Map.
There would be a couple more climbs before I entered a large wood. Coming out the other side and looking over the valley, I really had no idea how much further I had to walk. I was, indeed, in a fair amount of pain, from both knee and feet (my toes had shaken off all their little protective cozies and were merrily rubbing together for more fresh-hell blisters). I decided WTF, let me try and call my hosts at Hafren House to see if they were around (and where *I* was in relation). My host Cheryl answered, and told me to walk down to the road (I could see it about 3/4 mile down the hill) and they would pick me up. I gratefully said yes please.
They greeted me with Welsh cakes and tea, a foot bath, a shower, and a lovely meal.
After all of this I decided to call the walk.
I had two days to go. The following day was only 5.5 miles (according to the Cicerone guide), but over 2000 feet elevation. I really didn’t think my knee OR feet could handle it. Cheryl graciously offered to drive me to Dyliffe, my next destination, and also stop at some sights along the way. I called ahead, and Y Starr Inn could check me in early.
I wept with relief. I knew this was the right thing to do.
Debkakes in the UK 2025 