7:00 wake up, slow rising, easy packing, and off to breakfast, hauling our luggage down to the pickup point as we went. I took a few photos of the hotel. Ah stairs! We sure have done a lot of luggage hauls up and down stairs.
Breakfast was similar to yesterday: basic, no frills, but it was fine.
While we were eating our driver showed up. Hm. It was 9:00 and I had read she’d be there at 9:30. There have been a few issues with this trip and I’m not complaining, but I will let them know there were some problems. We raced to our rooms to get our daypacks and hit the bathroom and then we were off. Our driver was not as speedy as yesterday’s, but also not quite as comfortable, it seemed, driving the roads here. But we got back to Guiting Power to begin our trek. (Our “taxi” is in the photo on the left and the other is just a final Guiting Power shot.)
This walk had no big stops on the way until shortly before our final village, so it was a lot of scenic moments without villages.
I shot the final photo above because I have no clue what it is. If anyone knows, do tell! Shortly after that we passed a big rocky field with new plants that looked to be corn. It seems that a variety of grains grow in this area.
Since Dan picked that bit of a grain (last photo above) he then modeled it for me.
Sometime toward the end of the walk we had a downhill where the ground was a bit uneven. Yesterday Jan had mentioned she could have used my poles (which I hadn’t thought to bring then) on one section so this time I asked her if she’d like them. Nope. She was fine. Welllll … she might have been fine, but yours truly manage to catch the front of her left food on something and fell. Nothing damaged aside from pride, and no clothing ruined, but pants got a bit of a stain. But hey, I didn’t do my typical face plant!
By this time we were nearing the Sudeley castle. I had looked into the cost for going in and it was quite expensive. Being as we see enough castles in any case, we skipped it. We did, however, stop at the cafe there for drinks and snacks before we did the final leg of today’s walk. My navigation app had been making noises because we had veered from the trail until I turned the sound off. When we started up again it redirected the route so we could get back on the trail. We didn’t have long to go.
Then it was hello Winchcombe!
We arrived at the White Hart Inn and collected our keys. And then we had the absolute thrill of carrying luggage up stairs! What fun after a day of walking. Our room is more spacious that the last two, and the bed is larger. I had been expected something not-so-great because I thought this one had lower ratings, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’m pretty sure I must have been confusing places and last night’s must have been the lower rating.
The scaffolding outside our window isn’t fabulous, but we will barely be here so it’s not a huge deal.
After we showered and rested up a bit Dan and I went out to investigate a bit.
We wound up at St. Peter’s, where we saw a string quartet practicing. I immediately heard what sounded like a Caroline Shaw piece and, sure enough, it was! Sadly the concert was at 7:00 tonight and that was when we had dinner reservations so we had to miss it. We were able to have a look inside the church, though.
Then only a bit more walking including a plaque on the side of our hotel wall.
We met up with Greg and Jan for dinner at 5 North. What a meal we had! I’m going to bet it’s the best meal of the trip. If you ever get to Winchcombe plan on eating there. Just be sure to save up for it! I promise it’s worth it. (You are seeing both Dan’s and my desserts … I promise I didn’t eat both!)
Then back to our hotel where I finished up this blog entry and we hit the hay. Tomorrow is our longest day (10 miles) and we have to be ready. If one or two of us decide it’s just too much that’s fine too: I saw an Uber/Lyft car here today so I know that could be an option. (I didn’t think Lyft was anywhere but the US, but that’s what was on the car.)
Ciao for now!
19,961 steps, 7.64 miles, 6 flights climbed