I really can’t believe my luck.

When I was ‘planning’ this trip I really didn’t put in much route planning effort except for routing the first day along the Severn. My intention was to review my route every day to ensure that it was both sensible and went through nice places for that day.

Well, I have to confess that the plan was abandoned after the first day. Turns out I couldn’t be bothered to review it, and, maybe to be slightly fairer to myself, did find it a bit difficult to do on my phone. It’s probably my age but doing that sort of task is much easier with a big computer screen.

So instead, I decided to let the Ordnance Survey (OS) map app plot the rest of my route. It was just a case of saying where I was (at the time in a little woodland next to the Severn) and where I wanted to go – in this case home. And that’s what I’ve been following for the last two days.

Well today has been amazing. I’m not sure how it works. For example I don’t know when it would pick a path over a road if the path was slightly longer but more scenic. Maybe, I’ve just been lucky. But today it has taken me through some amazing scenery, it’s guided me down a section of the Cotswold Trail, through little villages and country parks. Honesty, it has been amazing.

I really didn’t think this walk would be that interesting, but all the days have been good, and today has been amazing. Like I say, maybe I just got lucky, but maybe the routing algorithm has been written well. It’s certainly cleverer than me! Although there’s over 60 miles still to cover so this could still turn bad.

Ignorance is bliss

I had a great nights sleep. When I woke up I was surprised to find myself in a tent, so it must have been a comfortable night. I felt good for it.

Now, I’m not good at dragging myself out of bed. On this trip I’m finding it particularly difficult. Even though the weather has been brilliant, the mornings are quite cool, so I think I just want to stay wrapped up and warm. So, despite the good sleep, and subsequent high spirits, I didn’t manage to get myself packed up and walking until about 8:30.

Once out of the woodland I realised how close I had been to a road and civilisation. It had not been a problem at all but I did wonder, had I known, would I have slept so soundly. I guess we’ll never know.

So wrong

Yesterday when reviewing the map, I decided that Gloucester and Cheltenham were almost joined together. They are not.

It might be the way they are labelled, or maybe it was just me, but I got totally the wrong impression. I’m pretty sure it was my fault.

I’m definitely not complaining though. I initially was treated to the views down to Church Town and Gloucestershire airport. And then really enjoyed the paths through open countryside, over the M5, and then into Cheltenham. I hit the outskirts around 10:30. Got some breakfast and then headed through the City. I’m not a big fan of built up places but I quite liked the walk and I was soon out the other side and onto a big climb up onto Cleeve Common.

From here it was pretty much countryside all the way. The views over to Wales and also back from where I’d come required me to constantly stop. Trying my best to capture what I was seeing but knowing that photographs or videos would not do it justice.

I was really having a thoroughly good walk. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good.

Spaced perfectly

As I approach Winchconbe, which seemed to look both new and old at the same time, I was thinking I needed some more food and supplies for later. So it really was placed in the ideal position. It felt like someone had put the town there just for me – knowing I’d be needing to re-stock.

After popping to a store I sat on a bench to eat lunch and take the weight off my feet. A couple of people asked me what I was doing, and seemed impressed when I said I was walking to Leicester. It’s the first time I’ve been asked on this trip. On the SWCP there were regular interrogations, normally more than one a day, so I had been missing the interaction and therefore appreciated the interest.

Nothing like a bit of boasting and back slapping to keep you motivated.

Early finish

After my rest I heading again, along the Cotswold Trail, and back into countryside. Visibility was good and the views amazing. I was getting a little tired around 15 mile mark, so called Jenny and we chatted while I walked a few more miles. The time flew by. It’s nice to have company sometimes. I was now up to 20 miles. Short of what I wanted for the day.

However.

Sunset is around 7pm at the moment and is quickly getting earlier. So I’m trying to walk on to as close to 7 as I can. But, I also need to be mindful of where I might be at this time, and if it’ll be suitable for camping.

So when I found a spot before 6, which was a bit early, and meant more miles to cover tomorrow, I was in a dilemma. The route ahead didn’t look like it had any good spots but I wanted to do more miles. This was a good spot though so I decided to stop – playing it safe – still though wishing I could continue. But, and I won’t truly know until tomorrow, I think I’ve made the right decision. It’s a good(ish) pitch and I feel safe.

I think feeling safe is worth having to walk a few extra miles tomorrow.