Started the day by crossing the road and having to go back for my trekking pole. I had put it down in order to take off my muddy boots and forgotten to pick it up. Reunited with the stick, I entered the Forest, and detoured to visit the Sculpture Trail.
Heading north, I found my way to the site of the Old Speculation Mine where the stage began. A helpful local warned me of a path mentioned in the guidebook which none of them had been able to find. So, having found the track along the ridge, I kept following it – good views and easy walking.
At the end of the track, Wysis Way markers led to a series of paths with occasional road crossings and a stretch along a lane leading to The Wilderness Centre. Finally, a descent to Mitcheldean, and a much-needed sit down for lunch in the Wishing Well cafe in the Enterprise Park, formerly a Xerox factory.
Not much further to go, but it involved several awkward gates and stiles, to one of which I was pursued by cattle. At last I could see The Farmer’s Boy, my stop for the night, and it was only half past three. Plenty of time to wash self and clothes and recharge batteries before the dinner I had booked for 6 pm.
emeritablog: life after work 