Day Twenty – Craven Arms to Leominster

Talking Shrop.

Finally we get to the bottom of the last three days' struggles of no paths and completely overgrown Shropshire styles and crossings which have blighted us and added hours . . . . the person who’s job it was to maintain them was let go two years ago and the council couldn’t be bothered to appoint anyone else. At least it answered why we’ve seen no other walkers for three days.

No matter today, we walked with trekking royalty. I have stood and watched as wizened and corroded gnarly Nepali mountain men whisper the hallowed name ‘Valerie’ in awe as she enters a high altitude tea house, I have watched her slap down dizzying peaks for fun . . . . well, today she was just above sea level with us with her boisterous and obscenely fit cohort of Suzie, Jennie and Libby. Elaine and Lizzie kept up their credentials too, Rob danced the trail with dog of the day and Chris did did an incredible job in support.

Jenny, Val and I did the Everest Marathon three years ago, it was ridiculously challenging… but there were at least paths.

08.30am. BRING. IT. ON.