I got a ride to the intersection of the Path with the road and surveyed the way. The beginning was basically a small mowed section though a field. It was marked at the beginning and enough people had tramped down the grass to make it obvious. So off I went!

There were more wildflowers and the weather, again, was cloudy and a bit humid. But no rain and a nice breeze.

The river was still underground, although I saw several places where it might have been flowing in wetter conditions. I sat on a bench commentating the Queen.

Finally, just as the path started into a more wooded area, I saw some flowing water in the green river bed. The Thames had appeared!

Now the walk continued through somewhat muddy conditions and bumpy fields. It really was more of a slog than a pleasant stroll. I was happy that the way was pretty much flat and that I’d planned a journey of only about 7 miles.

I walked through and around various farms, with the requisite livestock. None of them paid me any mind, except one sheep, who stared at me curiously.

Unlike the Camino, this walk did not pass through various tiny hamlets and there were no convenient food stands on the way. I had not brought any extra snacks and was regretting it. I caught up with a woman about my age who had passed me several times and was taking a break near a pond. Her name was Ester and she was from Holland…also walking to Oxford. She was kind enough to give me an energy bar and I was grateful to get it! I found a bench to sit on to catch my breath. Now the river was wider.

A bit further on, as I was walking directly next to the river, I passed a measuring stick showing how high it gets at times!

Finally I crossed a main road and could see the buildings of Ashton Keynes ahead! And there was my Inn, “The Longhouse” right in front of me!

The house was built in the mid-1600s and although since modernized, still has many of the original features. It’s a family home and I was the only outside guest this time. I was shown to my very cozy room and private bath and had a welcome cup of tea (and a hot shower!)

I made my way down to the town’s only pub and had a pint of ale (“Red Welsh Ale”) I read in the outside garden until the kitchen opened. A very nice meal, another pint and then back to my cozy room. Slept like a baby.

This morning, on to Cricklade!