Today I would do most of my walking through “Chimney Meadows” a beautiful nature reserve full of birds and flowers. Jo dropped me off right at the Path and I stepped off into the field. The weather was predicted to be partly cloudy until noon, when the rain would start in earnest. I had 6 miles to walk until I got to the pub in Newbridge – at my normal 2mph pace, I should just make it!

The path went right by the river and soon I came to the sign announcing the meadows. The walking was a bit easier than the previous day, with the path being more packed dirt and less grass. It was quite peaceful.

I saw quite a few of these short, squat stone buildings, some having slits for windows. I found out later that they were “pillboxes” constructed during WWII and used for fortifications. There are more than 1200 still in existence, scattered around England.

Now the path had turned back to grass. I was looking for a resting spot…and suddenly saw this cute little building up ahead. It was a mini-bird-blind, with benches and windows inside! I sat for a much needed break and had my snack and a drink.

I was making good time (for me) but the weather was getting damper and my shoes were already sopped. Up ahead, where the path continue along the winding river, the map showed a short cut across the field. Not heeding Frodo’s words (“Short cuts make long delays,”) I determined to avail myself of it.

I slogged across the field only to find….a barbed wire fence! Wait, there was a gate at the end. Nope, it was private property. But there was a climbing stile (not the one in the picture…similar but mine had a barbed wire fence over it!) I hoisted myself over but there was no path on the other side. I could SEE the blasted river up ahead. I bush-whacked my way through reeds and tall grass until I pushed my way out into another field and the actual path.

Now it had started to rain steadily… but I only had about half mile to go. Slog, slog, slog…I could hear a road up ahead! Squish, squish, squish…I could see a bridge and the pub! Stomp, stomp, stomp…I was at the Waybush – a warm and modern pub with ales and food!

I had a spectacular venison pie with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies on the side. I took off my wet shoes and socks, put on my sandals and called a taxi to take me to “The Ferryman.” I got charged an exorbitant rate because he was “coming from Oxford.” 🙄

The Ferryman is an old inn, which used to have an actual chain ferry across the Thames. The rooms have all been modernized. Mine was large and had a view over the river. The sun came out later in the afternoon and I sat outside and had a glass of Merlot and did some knitting. They served a decent dinner and there’s breakfast in the morning.