(Walked on 14th March 2017 - 15.5 Miles) I woke to a grey sullen dawn, in a grey sullen mood. OK, OK, I admit it, OK? I wasn't having fun. This was not the best walk of my life. After only four or five hours' sleep, I was tired and I was despondent. And sullen. … Continue reading The Ridgeway Path: Day 2 – Liddington to Wantage
Countryside
The Ridgeway
After mulling over which long-distance path to walk for my 2017 hiking holiday, I decided to revisit my first love, The Ridgeway. I first attempted to walk all of this path in 1981, failed, but then succeeded the following year. And if, as a newbie, I had found both experiences challenging, it also hooked me … Continue reading The Ridgeway
The South Downs Way: Day 3 – South Harting to Amberley
(20th April 2016 - 20 miles + 4 additional miles) Today was my longest and toughest on the SDW and, as I'd also arranged an early supper date with my sister, I was marching against the clock too. I woke early, packed, demolished a grand breakfast, paid my bill, pulled on my Meindl boots and … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 3 – South Harting to Amberley
The South Downs Way: Day 2 – East Meon to South Harting
(19th April 2016 - 12 miles) After my disappointment at last night's food, I charged downstairs for some serious, no-nonsense feeding ... and this time I wasn't disappointed. The full English was generous; actually quite superb. and my liking for the 'Ye Olde George Inn' notched up two points. With a full stomach, at last, … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 2 – East Meon to South Harting
The South Downs Way: Day 1 – Winchester to East Meon
(18th April 2016 - 18 miles + 2 miles from my home to path's start) At 5.45am, I was repeat yawning and standing at my local railway station. I'd been awake since 4, the 100-mile train journey to Winchester would take a maddening three hours and, on arrival, I'd face an 18-mile walk. It was … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 1 – Winchester to East Meon
The Walking Gardener 