I was going to title this post ‘Give my regards to Broadstreet’. It doesn’t even work though because what had triggered the idea was that I’d just walked through Broadway and managed to get confused between the two names. I was going to talk about how Paul McCartney had made a film with that title, and how it wasn’t very good. But that I had a guilty secret that I sometimes listen to the soundtrack because it brings back memories from my childhood.

I do like a good confession on my blog. It’s like a therapy, and because it’s not read by too many people, I’m only sharing with a select few.

Anyway, the title has had to change.

I’m actually surprised that this has never happened to me before. But today, I lost my tent poles. I’ve often wondered what I’d do if that was to happen – well now I know. I think if it wasn’t so dark, and I wasn’t rushing, I might have done a better job, but the forecast is good and I only have to survive one night, so I’m going to declare myself moderately happy.

When I realised I was so annoyed with myself. I’ve either left them at my last camp, or they’re hanging off a bush on the heavily overgrown bramble path (referenced on the map as disused railway – more on that to follow). After the walk I’m going to go back to the camp and see if I can find them. I’m not so bothered about them materially, my tent has had many outings and is close to retirement, but I can’t stand litter and don’t want to be responsible for it. I still remember how long it took me to get over my lost socks on the SWCP (the first time around)! So hopefully they’re there.

If, on the other hand, they’re on bramble path. Well, my tent poles are the least of that’s paths problems. So I think I’ll sleep easy about that.

Down the hill to Broadway

It was another great start to the day. Again, not up quite as early as planned, but on the move by 8:30 so not too shabby.

The view from the top of the hill was great. I thought I could see a cloud inversion hanging over Broadway, which looked very nice, and was only slightly tainted when I realised it was smoke. I then headed into the town / village and felt lucky that it had toilets and a coop. Outside the toilets there was even a water fountain. So I had everything I needed and was set up well for the day. Things were looking good. I hadn’t yet noticed the poles were missing.

Maps sometimes lie

I was sad to be leaving the Cotswold Way at Broadway but that was the route to home. And after singing the praises of my map software I felt no need to doubt it.

In fact, I could see I’d soon be joining a really straight path which would take me part of the way to Stratford Upon Avon. I was convinced this must be an old railway line and every time I get on a path like that they’re superb. Always nice easy walking. I even have one near my house which I use as part of my daily walk.

This path was bad. Really bad. At first, virtually impassable, then a little stretch to give hope, then virtually impassable, and then, finally, impassable. The brambles, without even the decency to have blackberries on them, were catching on me, scratching and cutting my hands and legs, cutting my clothes, maybe stealing my tent poles, and then eventually cutting the back of my head.

It probably took me too long to make the decision, partly because I hoped it’d improve, but also because I couldn’t work out how to get off it, but after the head attack I knew I had to find a way. After a few attempts I finally found my way out onto a road, unfortunately without a pavement, but better than the path.

I cursed myself for picking the route, but on reflection, I’m not sure what I could have done differently. It looked perfect on the map. I rang Jenny for a chat (she must be getting sick of our chats) and after a quick pep talk, a trip into a shop for drink and chocolate, and then a sit down for lunch, I felt much better and decided things weren’t so bad. It was only a bit of blood and we do heal.

Then I realised my poles were missing. But I’ve already covered that.

I was spoilt before

It’s been a mixed bag for the route today. Yes, bramble path was bad, really bad. But some of the paths have been very good.

If I’m honest, others have been testing. Quite a few are a little overgrown. Lots have broken stiles or crumbling bridges. Not well marked. So it has been a bit of a struggle. It has been a rollercoaster, especially for my mood. On several occasions I have considered calling it off and getting picked up – I think in part made worse because of the tent situation. But luckily, each moment of weakness was quickly followed with a desire to not fail. So I just kept plodding on.

The route today also contained a few roads without pavements. I don’t really like this, especially on fast roads, so, at around 5pm I decided to change course and head down some paths. I figured it’d be worth the extra few miles to just get off the road.

I think it was a good decision

Now, I have no idea what would have happened if I’d stayed on the original route. And my change of course wasn’t amazing, and still did involve some roads at one point, but that as least had a grass verge, so I felt safe.

I was pleased to get to walk along a canal into Warwick and my route only really went around the edge of the city which was good. If I’d been earlier I’d have liked to have walked through but it was now getting dark and I needed to find somewhere to camp.

Small confession here. As I approached Warwick I did check the price for a Premier Inn hotel – £144!! – I decided that I could get the tent to work.

I did get very unlucky though. I was trying to get to a woodland I could see on the map, but the paths leading directly to it went over a farmers field. No issue I hear you say. Unfortunately I arrived at the exact moment he was ploughing said field – they plough in the dark! Another diversion required. It was dark now and I was getting nervous. I felt like someone was trying to tell me something.

But these situations are so strange. Yes, it was stressful. I didn’t like the feeling. However, I eventually got to the woodland I’d seen on the map, cobbled together a pitch, and now it’s all calm. Makes me wonder what all the fuss was about.

So, not a brilliant day. Pretty terrible in places. But I guarantee this is one I’ll look back on with fond memories – funny how that works.