Off of Offa's

I don't know where you can get better weather from but  I would like some please!  I was caught out by three serious rain storms today.  One of them waited until I got up the moors and decided to give me some hailstones too  - lovely!

16 miles nonetheless - Chirk to Llandegla.

I think this was for Mountain Bikers - Walkers don't need it!

The walking was fab - fields, canals, forest, moors and scree - it doesn't get much more of a mix than that.

That's me finished on Offa's Dyke now.  Don't let anyone tell you it is easy, in it's way it is as tough as the Pennine Way.

My tent for the night!

I'm out from under the canvas tonight and actually staying at a hotel - the Bodidris Hall.

Got a day off on Tuesday and then I set up camp on my home turf for the next part of the walk.

The old and the new...

14 miles today took me from Llanymynech to Chirk Castle.

A good walk but, like the rest of the Offa's Dyke walk, is a challenge to anyone - so much of it is sooooo steep and all the ups and downs put a major strain on your legs.

Chirk Castle

That said, from the hill overlooking Chirk Castle I could see so many of the landmarks that remind me of home - Jodrell Bank, Stanlow,  and Beeston Castle.

Stanlow Refinery - looks better at night, plus you can't smell it from here!

Another tough walk tomorrow and I'm hoping I won't get as wet.  It rained quite a lot today, and I mean RAINED!

Easy walk, tough on the tonsils though!

Hi all.  Saturday took me an easy 10 miles today from Buttington to Llanymynech (I can just about pronounce the name!)  It was a very flat walk over farm fields along the course of the dyke. 

Montgomery Canal

There was a little stretch along the Montgomery Canal where, for the first time ever, I saw a wild otter.  Now that was special.

Wild?  It was absolutely furious!

Up to now I've mostly had sheep for company on the walk, now I've got cattle.

Powis Castle

I had a few spare hours today so spent them wisely by exploring Powis Castle and its beautiful grounds.