With the prospect of steady rain all day and the knowledge that the one possible stopping point on the way to Lechlade was closed, I decided to seek alternative transportation. I thought a taxi would be quickest, and I got a couple of recommendations from the coffee shop where I had breakfast (and a giant latte. 😁)

The “most reliable” taxi service didn’t pick up the phone or answer their text. The other two had “no taxis available.” Uber was a bust. So I determined to take the bus…which was cheap, but involved a rather circuitous route.

However, it was comfortable, on time and I got to see some of the countryside. When I got to Lechlade, my hotel “The Swan” was right around the corner from the bus stop.

The rooms were up a flight of ancient stairs. All the rooms had names. Mine was called “The Fox” and had the tiniest shower stall I’d ever seen…but the water was hot and the spray was sufficient. The beds were comfortable with plenty of pillows and there were extra outlets for charging devices.

I had dinner at a local Indian place and then walked around for a bit. The rain had let up and the sun was peeking through, which boded well for my walk tomorrow.

I ended up at a local pub called “The Crown” and got myself a wee dram of excellent Scotch, a peaty single-malt called “Laphroaig.” Some locals at the bar were in a deep philosophical discussion, but they greeted me, welcomed me to England and one of them bought me another drink!

The next morning was cool and sunny and who should I bump into at breakfast but Ester, from a couple of days ago!

Once more the “path” was mostly grass, which made walking difficult. You couldn’t really stride along like you could on packed dirt. I could feel my legs starting to ache.

There were a couple of locks along the way and many boats and moorings. The locks were beautifully kept with flowers and plantings. I didn’t get to see any boats go through, though!

At one point, the path ran alongside an electric fence for quite a ways. I could see the gate at the end with the Thames Path logo on it…but when I got there, I discovered I was on the WRONG side of the electric fence! This was not good. I didn’t relish walking all the way back to the beginning. I touched the fence gingerly – there was a small buzz going through. Maybe there was a low enough spot where I could sort of…jump over? Maybe I could squeeze through where the gate joined?

I had a close look at the pole by the gate and there it was…an “off” switch. I turned it and there was no more buzz. I found a low spot and rather ignominiously hurled myself over to the “right” side. Then I turned the fence back on. Go, me.

By now, my legs were really hurting. I needed a bench or a stump or something to plunk my tired self on. Again, unlike the Camino, there are very few built-in resting spots along the way. Finally I came to someone’s (probably private) mooring spot. There was no one around, but there was a table and chairs and I gratefully took advantage. I took off my shoes and put my feet up. The path had widened out into something more like a dirt road.

My planned stop, the Olde Swan Hotel, was only about a mile ahead. (Lots of hotels named for Swans, apparently.) I was feeling pretty pooped by then. I thought I’d see if it was possible to get a ride to my BnB after I ate. Seems like my limit with a pack is about 7 – 8 miles. Good to know!

I ordered myself a pint of cask ale and a “Ploughman’s” lunch. (Which was amazing!) It was a very pleasant pub and I was able to book a taxi to arrive in a couple of hours…time up enjoy my lunch and relax.

But, when I told Jo, the owner of my BnB, about my plans, she offered to come get me! She showed up about an hour later along with her daughter. We drove through the little village of Brampton, which is where they shot many scenes from “Downton Abbey.” And now I’m ensconced in an idyllic farmhouse with doves and other birds singing, chickens being all chicken-y and a cuppa tea.

Tomorrow, Jo said she’d bring me down to the Tadpole Bridge where the Thames Path meets Buckland Road. I’ll walk as far as Newbridge, where there are several pubs. That’ll be a little more than 6 miles. If I feel up to it, I’ll continue to Bablock Hythe, where I’ve got a room booked at The Ferryman. If I’m totally wiped, I’ll finagle a ride…or take a bus. And after that, my last two days are about 6 miles each. Slow and steady.