Day 5 - Bishops Castle to Clun

Today our group of three regular walkers was joined by Christine, former High Sheriff, long-term supporter of Community Resource, and keen walker. 

It’s quite a long drive to Bishops Castle so by the time we arrived at the foodbank it was already almost 10.00am. I have worked closely with the foodbank over a couple of years and it was disappointing that Andy wasn't going to be there as he was taking a much-deserved holiday. But in his absence we were very warmly welcomed by the volunteers and fuelled for our journey with coffee and delicious home-made cake (every day should start with cake in my opinion!). 

It was a beautiful day and a very pretty walk with some interesting sights along the way. There were COWS (eek!) but with some judicious arm stretching and pole waving we managed to keep them at bay; and Gwynfor and I met a very chatty farmer halfway up a steep hill which enabled me to get my breath back (well, that's my excuse). 

Our halfway point was Mainstone the tiniest village (pop: 93) with the warmest of welcome, and there was lunch provided in the village hall. It was hard not to linger, and we still had a good distance to go, although we made time to stop and have a look inside the beautiful old church.

There was a lot more uphill from here and it was getting quite warm so it was quite the relief to be able to see Clun Castle emerging in the distance, even if it was still quite a long walk. 

It was even more of a relief to see Mary, one of our supporters emerge from the castle grounds to meet us and show us the way to where there was a little welcome party waiting for us. Unfortunately that day the delightful looking little cafe was closed but a couple of the group took pity on us and offered very welcome refreshment at their home. It was, of course, even further to drive home again so the smell of lasagne cooking when I opened the kitchen door was delightful after a very long day of over 12 miles of walking.

Roll on tomorrow - just one more day to go.