Day 38: Knighton to Kington

Distance:14.1 miles
Time: 6 hrs 45 mins
Weather: Warm and sunny
Cumulative distance: 645.7 miles

A lovely walk in more comfortable weather conditions and another walking companion.

Had a leisurely breakfast chatting to Bernadine, who kindly donated a free packed lunch to the cause. 

I walked into town and met Graham, my walking companion for the day, who'd travelled here the previous evening. Graham is a security consultant, who I'd worked with previously.

We joined the Offa's Dyke path and climbed slowly around the golf course before encountering fine views of fields and meadows. This was to be the theme of the day. We stopped for a short break next to a river and cooled ourselves in the clear waters.

Fortunately, the weather conditions were more favourable than yesterday, with a little cloud cover helping to reduce temperatures and a pleasure breeze providing welcome relief. The path included a few ascents, but they were not as challenging and the descents were not as punishing. For a sunny Sunday, we were intrigued that we didn't encounter more walkers on this very scenic part of the path.

Close to the end of the route, my guidebook commented that the local golf club was "surprisingly friendly towards walkers" so, desperate for a drink, we decided to find out. After a couple of pints each, I can vouch that the guidebook was completely reliable as we chatted with a few members who were celebrating England's dramatic victory over Australia in the 1st Ashes Test.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the Royal Oak Hotel in Kington, my home for the night. Graham ordered a taxi to take him back to Knighton to collect his car and, to our surprise, it arrived within twenty minutes.

It was very noticeable how the border accents of the last few days had been replaced by the Herefordshire "burr" and Kington itself had a genuinely English feel, being dominated by pubs and antique shops.

I dined at the hotel and opted for the local choice - pork, apple and cider pie.