13.11 Cotswolds Walk 2
0520 Last night wasn‘t so good. I woke in the middle of the night quite hot for some reason. And it was a night of strange, vivid and rather disturbing dreams. I check and it‘s not a full moon either; curious.
0700 I head out to get some early light photos of the town. My app says it feels like 0 degrees. I wrap up and use my scarf for the first time this trip. It‘s only just light. The High Street is already packed with traffic; mainly through traffic, I think. In the street they’re setting up for the Tuesday market; “the largest in the Cotswolds”.
0730 The brisk air has made me ravenous. Time for breakfast. I stoke the fire with another decent breakfast. I plan to walk again today.
0845 I head out to check out the market in more detail. There’s enough for me to want to browse now, or I could start my walk instead. I’d rather be walking. The markets should still be there when I get back.
0915 I head off. The initial path turns to muddy fields very quickly. I gingerly walk to avoid slipping. I walked the first part of this walk last year. That was in Spring. It will be interesting to see the countryside now. There is a gentle incline as I head up a hill. I notice quite a lot of wildlife. Squirrels scurry across my path. I disturb pheasant in the grass causing them to run off making a strange and disturbing shriek. At the top of the hill, the wind is icy. But otherwise, it’s a perfect day for walking. Completely blue sky. The view from the top of the hill isn’t as good as I hoped. That is until I walk a little further to Bourton-on-the-Hill. The view from the top of the High Street is stunning. I spend a bit of time getting photos. In particular, I play a waiting game with the traffic to try for car-less shots. I continue my walk through fields and along pathways.
1150 I reach Longborough and stop for a rest and a snack of nuts and fruit. I came prepared today. In this village they have converted the telephone box to contain a public-use defibrillator. I’ve seen these a lot in the UK. Great initiative.
I head off again and walk back to Moreton-in-Marsh.
1300 I get back. 14.2 km in total. I jump into a hot bath then clean my boots and gear.
1330 I check out the market again. There’s a strange mix of fresh produce, clothes, hardware and cards. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot in the way of original crafts. I’m hungry so I get a pork roll followed by a piece of gingerbread fudge. Yum!
1400 I’m back in the hotel. It’s very busy with the lunch trade. I sit in my room and go through the day’s photos and comments from yesterday.
Thanks for the magnesium tip Robyn. Yes, I use it too and I prefer powder form but I’ve been finding it hard to come by in the UK. I got some tablets yesterday which I hope will help.
1500 I stick my nose outside again. They are packing up the market.
1540 I sit in the lounge to relax and finish of my blog. It’s nice to have a bit of activity around me.
1710 I decide to eat in the bar area today. Char grilled chicken burger.
Observation: It feels like people are more reserved here in the Cotswolds. Not so smiley. I found people in the Peak District far more friendly.
I think it will be an early night tonight. I’m feeling quite exhausted. Maybe some TV.
