Day 44 - Rhuthyn to Chester - 11 miles. Mon 23rd May 2022

Robin kindly dropped me over the pass near Moel Eithinen on the Offa's Dyke path.
My route initially climbed Bryn Alun towards Treuddyn and Pontybodkin.

It wasn't long before the rain started.




There were some lovely quiet paths and lanes but also a lot of paths marked on the map of which there was little or no evidence on the ground. Also a few places where farmers had blatantly tied off gates, put barbed wire across openings in hedges and parked abandoned vehicles across narrow paths.
Not fun when you're then forced to take a long detour to avoid.


On the upside, there's always the lovely cattle.
...by the top of the field I'd developed quite a following. 
Beautiful, but I'm glad I wasn't going the other way!
Those rain clouds wouldn't give me a break.
I climbed up through waist high wet bracken to Waun y Llyn.

and from the top, despite the rain clouds , I could see out to Liverpool Bay, the towers of Liverpool, across the Cheshire Plane and what I think are Helsby Hill and in the distance Alderley Edge.
After more non existent paths, wet bracken and nettles, I eventually gave up hope in Hope....
and caught the train to Chester.
Not the best of days so far.

Curiously, the train went via Wrexham General where I had time for one of the nicest station platform coffees before eventually arriving in Chester. 

It's lovely to be back and lots of happy memories.

I went in to Chester cathedral and heard the end of choir rehearsals before 
staying for Choral Evensong. The choir and organ are fabulous.
I remember visiting the Cathedral years ago when I lived here and warming my hands on this great cast iron radiator.

While the service was going on, building work was going on in the West doorway under the amazing West window preparing for a Chester University degree ceremony planned for tomorrow. My ear had to filter out the sawing, banging and buzzing going on in the background.
..but it was lovely nonetheless.

I had a good chat with four retired teachers and a policewoman yesterday evening while they were having a reunion. They'd all taught at the same school but had distinctly different Welsh accents which were lovely to hear. Long may our human cultural biodiversity remain. 

Total distance walked so far = 560.9 miles
Total ascent so far 68 980 feet

Sally has resolved the initial issues we had with leaving comments on the blog. So, if you're moved to make a comment, correct me on any detail or just nudge, it'd be great to hear from you. If initially it comes up as Anonymous, please just add your name at the bottom so I can see who it's from.

email: david.LL.thomas@gmail.com
mob: 07850109100

If you're tempted to contribute to any or all of the great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.

Parkinsons UK   - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas215

Just Wheels UK  - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.- 

- RNLI   - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas216


Comments

  1. Mike D24 May 2022 at 02:22

    So odd that farmers were blocking the path. I can’t imagine that walkers do them any harm. But apart from the drunks in the white van, people have been wonderful so far, at least as far you’ve let us know. Maybe the cows wanted to bovine reception to make up for the human one. (I might have found that encounter intimidating!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous24 May 2022 at 14:22

      I appear to be able to comment now. Well done Sally. Did you see the, 22 Creation textiles in the Cathedr stunning@ R



      Delete
    2. David's 2022 Walk24 May 2022 at 22:40

      Hi Mike. These are PUBLIC rights of way but I sense that on occasions the public may not always respect their side of the deal - letting dogs off a lead, leaving gates open probably not done maliciously but if a farmer lost livestock as a result, once would be enough. I suspect there are few benefits to the farmer and they're not recompensed financially so it is all based on long established rights and good will.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous24 May 2022 at 11:33

    Wow- well done Sally, now David is doomed to hear/read my astute thoughts about this amazing journey. Enjoying all the photos and drawings, and humorous depictions at times..admiring the physical Achievements as I puff and huff on the slight uphill to Waitrose...
    Yael

    ReplyDelete
  3. TT25 May 2022 at 00:24

    The affinity and trust between you and those cows is touching...
    and the amazing contrasts of your day,...the trees,the lovely cool of greenery,frustrating detours,the hurly burly of the Chester streets followed by choral Evensong in the Cathedral...absolutely brilliant!XX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk27 May 2022 at 01:00

      You'd have loved the choir TT. I think only a dozen voices but a fabulous sound.

      Delete

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