Stourport on Severn Wednesday 13 May 2015
Start: Great Malvern
Finish: Stourport on Severn
Miles walked today: 22
Total miles: 334
Over breakfast Carol and BJ tell me about their lovely B&B, and ask me about my walk. I am taken aback when they refuse to charge me for my night's stay. Despite my repeated offers, they both insist that they don't want payment and want to help my walk. I can't get over how kind and generous they are. They have had a very busy year since taking over the Puddle Lane B&B and are leaving for Madeira on Friday for their first break in over twelve months. We exchange best wishes for our respective trips and I start walking.
The few miles to Worcester seem to take forever. The path I'm following - The Three Choirs Way - is a bit fiddly, but eventually I find myself following the river Severn past the very impressive Worcester Cathedral. (What's the first thing you think of when the word Worcester is mentioned. Sauce! For me anyway. Mmmm.) A couple of gentlemen sitting on a bench in Worcester call out to me and we exchange walking stories.
The Severn Way will take me further north along the river. It should be straightforward, but at one point the path gets narrower and blocked by fallen trees, which I climb over or duck under. Eventually I reach a tiny tributary to the Severn which I cannot cross. Only now do I think to look at my map. The path left the river about a kilometre back. Grrrr. After retracing my steps I walk through an agricultural / industrial hotchpotch of small businesses then return to the river. There are pleasant meadows alongside the brown and sinuous Severn. At one point I remove my pack and lie down on the cool springy turf. I shut my eyes for a moment and consider forty winks. Not today... I keep walking...
A phone call from Suma updated me on her driving progress. Its great to hear from her. She has very generously donated to the Hospice. Thank you so much Bobby, Suma and Alvita! Also a text from Nathan - he's passed his test! Well done Nathan, and Darren too.
I reach Stourport on Severn around five. I sit outside an attractive pub with rooms next to the river. I call the pub, and several B&Bs, all are fully booked. Fortunately the Burlish Park golf club has rooms a couple of miles to the north, and they can accommodate me. I could choose the campsite marked on the map, but it's going to rain tomorrow and I don't fancy striking camp in the wet. I am so soft. I didn't feel too bad walking the extra distance. A long day.
You must take a look at my donation page: Anonyken is buying me a daily beer (a notional pint), with local suggestions. Today's is: Hobsons Old Prickly. I keep searching for these daily brews. Thanks old sausage!
