LEJOG
Distance walked – 34.9km (21.8miles)
Total Distance – 712.6km (445.4miles)
Just like a ship
Without a sail
I sail for pleasure
But I found pain
Pastor T L Barret and the Youth Choir – Just Like a Ship
After yesterday’s long day, and having walked now for nearly a month, we have come to some conclusions regarding the optimum distance that can be covered in one day.
- <20km – Not worth getting out of bed for
- 20-25km – Easy walk
- 25-30km – Good solid day’s walk
- 30-32km – Achievable with effort
- >32km – Pain
- >35km – Stupid
We have found this interesting as 20miles (32km) is often quoted as the traditional distance that could be covered in a day prior to mechanised transport. We also know from our marathon running training, that running distances greater than 30km starts becoming much more difficult as you exhaust your readily metabalised energy sources. We wonder if the human body is adapted to optimally cover a maximal distance of about 32km/day?
With that question in the back of our minds, we squared up to face another long day today. I had looked at the route last night, and via a few sneaky road shortcuts, I was hoping to keep the distance less than 35km.
And so it turned out, as we triumphantly entered Penkridge at 34.9km. . . .
Inclined Plane
The day had started early, as we left the deserted Shakespeare Inn in Coalport, and walked up beside the Hay Inclined Plane. It is an engineering marvel of the industrial Revolution consisting of a steep dual railway line that was used to transport canal boats between canals separated by a height of 63m. Boats would be winched out of the water and onto the rails at top and bottom, and then ascend/descend counterbalancing each other. Initially constructed in 1793, it was used until 1894, when the railways finished off the canal trade. (Louisa was strangely not as interested as me).
The walk initially took us through some woodland, skirting the edge of a golf-course which was shrouded in early morning mist, before we headed off over the fields.
We realised that it was foggier than we had thought, as we crossed the first large field, unable to see more than a few metres in front of us. Luckily, we have GPS navigation and were able to cross these featureless expanses with little trouble apart from the inevitable wet feet.
We followed the Monarch’s Way again today, which we last encountered on day 17, when we journeyed into Bristol. It is a long-distance path that retraces the escape journey of Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.
Today was very much a linking day, taking us from the great walking yesterday to another interesting day tomorrow as we slowly cross the Midlands. Well, it can’t all be lasers and rhinestone jumpsuits. . .
Kemberton Village Mural
Despite the road walking, long bridleways, and the crossing of the M54, there was always something of interest around the next corner. We found a fascinating mural in a village. We passed a grand but ruined Manor House, half expecting a Miss Havisham figure to appear at the net curtains. The path took us through a deserted farmyard with the most amazing out-buildings. At one stage, after a long road walk, we realised that we had gradually attained a high point and were surrounded by gentle views of green hills and fields.
Boscobel House
The highlight of the day, however, was Boscobel House, a 17th century timbered farmhouse where King Charles II took refuge, and the site of the Royal Oak in which he allegedly hid for a day to evade capture by Cromwell’s men. We saw the descendent of the tree from a distance, but were much more interested in the cafe, where we hid for a period, taking refuge in jacket potatoes and cake.
Good signage
After Boscobel House, we left the Monarch’s Way, and headed across country on lesser-used paths. As we have found, these were a mixed bag. Some were well signed, others deliberately obstructed. At one stage we found ourselves trying to cross an enormous field of rapeseed. With no path visible, we had to resort to bashing our way through the head high plants, eventually emerging, covered in yellow pollen from head to toe.
Poor Signage (He got lost!)
The overgrown fields gave way eventually to a quiet country lane, which took us into the town of Penkridge where we are staying tonight.
Waiting at the pub, in the afternoon sun were old friends Fi and Nick. It was fantastic to see them, and we have a great evening catching up.
2 Responses
I’m still enjoying reading of your walking adventure and love all the photos. ♥️
Think we are getting warmer weather than you now! Keep cosy!