Distance: 13.0 miles
Time: 5 hrs 35 mins
Weather: Warm and sunny
Cumulative distance: 674.3 miles
Another pleasant ridge walk and recuperation at the Priory.
After another good night's sleep, I had a leisurely breakfast with my host, before David, today's walking companion, arrived. I checked out while David parked his car, and the owner kindly made a donation to CRUK.
David had travelled from Buckingham early this morning. I'd worked with him on a number of projects, before he left to join Whitbread (owners of Premier Inn - still no contact from them!). David had done a lot of walking in his youth and had always been keen to join me at some stage.
The first part of the walk included a gradual climb out of town and up towards Hay Bluff, before we joined the Hatterrall Ridge. This was a fine ridge walk, frequented by wild ponies and offering super views of the Black mountains. The army was conducting a training exercise, so we spotted a number of very focused, but exhausted men carrying full packs as they struggled down the ridge.
The ridge was shrouded in mist as we ascended. This soon lifted and temperatures rose rapidly, but a welcoming breeze provided comfort. After lunch, we began a steep descent towards Llanthony, dominated by the ruins of the 12th century Priory. We reached our base by mid afternoon, and checked in early to the Half Moon Inn, before strolling up the road to sample the Priory's beers (Reverend James) and to visit the impressive ruins.
We dined in the pub and I enjoyed a very generous portion of lasagne and chips. We both complemented our meals with pints of Son of a Bitch from the Bullmastiff brewery. We chatted to some fellow guests who were committed senior walkers and shared our long distance path experiences.
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