Week 4 - the home straight!

Sunday 26th August - Day 21

Saturday has been spent resting at the impressive Wimpole Hall estate exploring the house and gardens. But again, I was up and raring to get going on Sunday and start the home straight. 

I was heading to the National Trust's Anglesey Abbey today which meant I was walking through the centre of Cambridge. A volunteer from Castle Drogo joined me today which gave another boost of motivation and chatting certainly makes the miles go by that bit quicker!

We headed out of the Wimpole Hall estate along a well-trodden footpath heading towards Granchester - where we stopped for lunch. The walk was very flat and so we could maintain a good pace. 

From Granchester it was only a mile or so into the centre of Cambridge. We walked past the famous college's - which are always good for a picture. 

We continued the walk along the River Cam, Cambridge seemed quiet considering it was a bank holiday. Alas, we soon found people and all the hustle and bustle around the shops. I stocked up on some dinner provisions and we continued heading north out of Cambridge. 

A cup of tea was necessary a few miles further along which gave me that final boost for the last few miles. As we approached Anglesey, the scenery became very familiar and the first of the 'big skies' was really prevalent. (the picture doesn't do it justice!) 

Arrived at Anglesey Abbey about 6pm and was welcomed really warmly by Gemma, Emily and Pete who made me feel very at home. Dinner and a quick bath and then spent the evening with them at the local beer festival - a great evening. Thank you! 

Monday 27th August - Day 22

Awoke at Anglesey about 8am, said goodbye to the Abbey and was on my way by 10am. 

Was heading towards the other side of Newmarket today. This is another day where I don't seem to have taken any photos. I walked along roads and footpaths to a village called Cheveley (which was half way to Ickworth House which was the destination for tomorrow)

Tuesday 28th August - Day 23

Was awake about 6.15am as I had a live radio interview on Radio Suffolk at 6.45 so I slurped down a cup of tea so I was a bit more awake for the bright and cheery radio DJ who asked me lots of questions about my walk. 

Left Cheveley about 10am and set off on my way towards Ickworth House (National Trust) near Bury St. Edmunds. A few miles down the road, I bumped into an old friend - small world!

I continued along the lanes for a few miles and crossed the border into 'Suffolk'! I must have text about 20 people when I had as I really was on the 'home straight' now. Continued through the villages of Dalham, Denham and Barrow mainly along small minor roads. 

Unexpectedly I walked past the National Trust's East of England Office so I popped in to say hello and Jeremy kindly made me a cup of tea. It was a useful place to stop as they let me know a way I could walk cross country to Ickworth rather than going down the road. I left with a handful of fudge and a new t-shirt - thank you! 

Walked across fields and then onto the Ickworth House estate. 

Soon found the entrance and was welcomed warmly by yet another much needed cup of tea! Had some photos taken by the Bury Free Press before being treated to a piece of cake in the cafe. 

Wednesday 29th August - Day 24

Set off from Ickworth House just after 9am and walked right across the estate. Was heading South today towards Long Melford where Melford Hall is situated. Once I was off the estate, I walked along lanes through pretty Suffolk villages. 

I made good time and I reached Stanstead just before 2pm where I was meeting 2 Melford Hall volunteers and a regional NT member of staff who were walking the last few miles with me. 

The weather had been good in the morning but when we set off from Stanstead church, the heavens opened and it was heavy rain the whole way to Long Melford!

We walked along a footpath at the back of the impressive Kentwell Hall (www.kentwell.co.uk), a Tudor mansion set back from Long Melford. It is quite extraordinary for one small market town to have two large houses. I know Kentwell Hall quite well from participating in 
Tudor Re-enactment there but I didn't linger to take photos as the rain was heavy. So we pressed on to Melford Hall, where we were taken into the warm volunteers room for tea and cake! 

Thursday 30th August - Day 25

Day 25 and 40 miles from home. I was joined by my Dad and Sister today. 

We set off from Melford Hall about 9am and got stomping as we were headed to Sproughton which was about 19 miles so it was great to have company! 

We walked along the lanes through villages and stocked up on provisions in Acton; it wasn't long until tucking into a Bakewell was necessary!

After the pit stop it started to rain and was pretty torrential for the whole afternoon. I remember thinking how ironic it was that it had been the wettest day of my walk in Suffolk which is deemed the 'driest' county in England. 

We warmed up over a cup of tea in Kersey, before completing the last few miles to Sproughton, which we reached about 6pm. A long day! 

Friday 31st August - Day 26

Sproughton to Sutton Hoo - Mum joined me today. 

After a comfortable stay with friends, we left Sproughton about 9am and walked north of Ipswich towards Westerfield where we stopped for coffee at a friend's house. 

From Westerfield, we took the Fynn Valley Path which goes all the way to Woodbridge. 

A few miles along the path, we met two friends at Playford. 

We continued along the great footpath heading towards Woodbridge. 

The path joined the river and it was an absolute gorgeous evening across the Deben. 

We walked along the river alongside Woodbridge, I town I know well, so it really felt like home was close!

After a quick cup of tea on the riverside, Claire and Jess left us and Mum and I continued along the river, past Melton and up the road to Sutton Hoo. (the last National Trust stop of the walk).

I was very warmly welcomed at the property by the staff and volunteers and also three friends who had come up to Devon to see me arrive - fab!

I was treated to tea and cake, delicious! 

Thank you very much to Sutton Hoo for the lovely welcome - only 8 miles to go! 

Saturday 1st September 

Today was THE day, the end of 'thelongwalkhome', in 8 miles I would be back in my home village of Easton. 

I had a group of friends join me on my last leg today and we met at Sutton Hoo at 9am. 

We walked out across Sutton Hoo, across a golf course, towards Bromeswell. The walk was easy going and having a group of friends made it whiz by! 

8 miles and 3 hours later, we reached Easton, a picture by the sign was a must! 

Continued into the village, where we were cheered and welcomed by family and friends. A cold drink from the pub and a sandwich awaited.

I'd made it! 27 days, 350 miles and I could finally have the picture under the 'Easton' village sign. 

Thank you to everybody who has supported me in this challenge - I couldn't have done it without you! 

Week 3

Monday 20th August - Day 16

After a day off on Sunday relaxing deep in the Chilterns countryside, I was ready to get up and go on Monday morning. Off North towards Wendover in Buckinghamshire today. 

My Dad joined me today and picked up the pace!

It was a beautiful walk along the Ridgeway with some great views over Buckinghamshire.

We walked past the Chequers Estate and then a climb up to Combe Hill.

From Combe Hill, it was a downhill walk to Wendover, looking out over the 'Three Hundreds of Aylesbury'.

Reached Wendover about 4.30pm - a great walk.

Tuesday 21st August - Day 17 

Day 17 was taking me from Wendover to Whipsnade which was a 18 mile or so walk so I was glad to have company from my Mum and friend Jenny today. 

We set out from Wendover along the Ridgeway again and through some lovely woodland. 

Multitasking - phone call and map reading! 

We reached Pitstone hill where we had a pit stop! We could see Ivinghoe Beacon in the distance which was a few miles from the final destination of Whipsnade. 

On top of Ivinghoe Beacon - great view. 

From there it was downhill (most of the way!) to Whipsnade Tree Cathederal. We were joined by Rose (a ranger from Dunstable Downs) who gave us lots of great local knowledge - thank you for joining us. 

Arriving at Whipsnade, we went to the rangers office for a much needed cup of tea. The evening was spent at the Dunstable Downs gateway centre with the staff and volunteers at their annual BBQ - everyone was very friendly and it was a great evening - thank you. 

Wednesday 22nd August - Day 18 

A great rest in Whipsnade got me prepared for day 18. Yesterday had been a long day and was in for a long day today as was heading north through Bedfordshire via Dunstable and Luton. 

My parents were walking with me again today and we set off about 9am. Headed towards Dunstable - we had a long slog through town and then across through Luton. 

Once we were out of Luton, we headed up onto the surrounding downs and were out in the countryside again. 

Along the downs for a while and then down in to the deep Bedfordshire counntryside, heading towards a small village where we were stopping for the night.

Rain came down heavily towards the end of the walk but it soon cleared up and it was turning into a lovely evening - we arrived at friend's house about 6pm just in time for tea! 

Thursday 23rd August - Day 19 

After some map sourcing in the morning, I left mid Bedfordshire just after lunch (as I only had about 10 miles today "an afternoon stroll"!). 

I walked through villages and along lanes towards the destination. I don't have any pictures of this day I'm afraid - the scenery was a little uninspiring or perhaps I was uninspired! 

Friday 24th August - Day 20

I was heading for National Trust's Wimpole Hall near Cambridgeshire today. 

Left Ashwell in Hertfordshire about 10am. (somehow had managed to cross the border from Bedfordshire into Hertfordshire yesterday) and set off. 

Walked through fields and villages and along a very long road! But reached Wimpole Hall early afternoon.

Was welcomed by staff at Wimpole and found my accommodation for the night. Had a refreshing shower and then re-fueled in the cafe. Spent the evening at the staff and volunteer barn dance - great night and surprisingly I had lots of energy! 

Week 2

Monday 13th August -Day 10: After a relaxing day on Sunday at Lacock Abbey, I was ready to get back on the road on Monday. 

After a hearty breakfast in the Red Lion pub in Lacock village, I met two friends who came up from Devon to join me and after a picture at Lacock Abbey we set off. 

We had a climb out of Lacock village first of all which got the muscles working! Off the road and on to a footpath which we had trouble navigating and had to limbo under lots 
of electric fences! We were making good time though when we got back on track and were slowly making our way towards the Wiltshire downs. 

In the afternoon, we were joined by three members of the National Trust fundraising team and Jake the dog. It was great to have company and chatting the whole way to Avebury made the miles whiz by and the rain not seem so bad!

We made it to Avebury! - Thanks for joining me!

Tuesday 14th August - Day 11

After a very relaxing and comfortable stay in Devizes, I was taken back to Avebury to set off on the next leg to Hungerford. 

I headed out of Avebury straight up the Wessex Ridgeway on to the Marlborough Downs. It wasn't long until I saw this and thought to myself 'Anyone for a bit of Chopin?'

After photographing the evidence that I did see a Piano on the Ridgeway, I continued across the downs, trying to get to Marlborough in time for coffee (as I had quite a long day ahead of me!).

Reached Marlborough, had a coffee, sourced some lunch provisions and then continued along the river valley towards Hungerford. As I had avoided purchasing the next map, I detoured slightly inland to get on to the River and Kennet canal as I knew I could navigate quite easily without one from then on! 

It was a hot day and I finally reached Hungerford by about 6pm thirsty and tired but had a very lovely, relaxing stay there - thank you Caroline. 

Avon and Kennett Canal near Hungerford.

Wednesday 15th August - Day 12

Left Hungerford about 9am (didn't have such a long day ahead of me) and was walking straight along the canal to Thatcham today so there wouldn't be any difficult navigating either!

It was a fast walk along the canal and it wasn't long until I reached Newbury where I stopped for refreshment which was good timing as there was a very heavy rain shower during my stop!

After my respite, I continued to Thatcham which was a further 4 or so miles from Newbury. It wasn't a good day for pictures today as lots of rain and flat views of canal. 

Arrived in Thatcham just after 4pm so a good day and now in the middle of Berkshire. 

Thursday 16th August - Day 13

Started the morning with a couple of miles along the canal again before heading north across Berkshire, aiming for the National Trust's Basildon Park today. 

Walked through some villages towards Buckleberry common where I retraced a walk I did as a child.

Across the common and through more of Berkshire and its villages, before finally reaching Basildon Park. It had been another hot day so I had to have a lie down at the entrance gates before walking up the drive! 

Was welcomed warmly by staff and after settling into my accommodation for the night and a cool shower, I enjoyed a glass of Pimms with staff and volunteers - thanks! 

Friday 17th August - Day 14

After a good rest at Basildon Park, I was up and ready to leave by 10am. I had company today!

They joined me for the first couple of miles to Goring. The walk was dull along the main road but was great to have company. 

Arrived at Goring and had a cup of tea at the cafe there - it was very relaxing and tempting to linger. But knowing of the distance to Nuffield Place gave me the push to get up off the seat and get moving again! I said goodbye to my fellow walkers for the morning and after buying lunch provisions from the cafe, set off on my way up the Ridgeway.

The Ridgeway took me along the Thames so was a really great walk. Headed north along the Ridgeway to Wallingford. Stopped at a church for lunch and ate what is possibly the best sandwich I've ever had - ham, egg, tomato and mustard mayonnaise. Delicious!

Near Wallingford, the Ridgeway headed east towards Nuffield Place - destination for the day.

Arrived at Nuffield Place about 4.30pm - hot and tired - I had had a quick pace today and I was relieved to have a cold glass of squash and cup of tea. Oh the simple things in life. 

Saturday 18th August - Day 15

Set out from Nuffield Place this morning.

It was a hot day already and I set off along the Ridgeway heading north deep into the Chilterns. The Ridgeway was very well sign posted and so a map was almost made redundant. 

Big blue skies today but luckily plenty of shade to keep me cool too!

I arrived at the campsite I was staying at for the next two nights by mid afternoon - it had been a great walk and finally felt like I was on the right side of home! 15 days done.