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Day 6. Wednesday 25th
Day walking through the queen of the shires with Andy B. Good day for walking again; no cagoule or fleece at all. Even had an ice cream in Creaton - the pub was shut! Started with a 5 mile stretch along an old railway line where there were lots of dog walkers to take my leaflets. Everyone we talk to is interested. Change of clothes day today! Thanks Andy! First third done.



Day 7. Thursday 26th
Good meal and company last evening in a very hospitable pub. More milestones today including M1 Grand Union Canal and LMS railway in quick order then the 100 mile mark then met a man who not only knew of the Macmillan Way but had actually walked some of it! Navigation error this morning - walked 200 yards down the wrong path- blame Peter who was on the phone at the time!  Weather stayed fine all day, only clouding over and spitting with rain late on. Alan and Bill found me for the last 6 miles so it was good to have them to keep me going when I was getting tired. I have felt a bit sore today; shoulders and feet. But tea usually works.



Day 8. Friday 27th
"Only" 15 miles but it seemed like 20. The hilliest day so far and they were all steep. I'm glad Patrick kept setting the pace or we would never have got here, Shenington. Also fortified by a plentiful picnic lunch provided by Margaret who could see I needed feeding. Another interview with "my mate" Henry on radio Berkshire this morning. Over £3,000 pledged now; thanks everyone!




Day 9. Saturday 28th.
An easier day. It was longer but generally flat with a couple of ridge tracks with extensive views. Good company all day with Gavin and Charlotte, and a surprise visit from Adrian, Joanne and Emily. Thanks too to Suzanne and her friends at Long Compton church for a welcome lunch; shelter from the unseasonally hot weather. Passed through Adlestrop (read Edward Thomas) and have now reached Stow to be met by all the family. I've reached halfway - yippee!!




Day 10. Sunday 29th
Its downhill to Dorset from here. None of us slept well (don't know why) so a rather tired group gathered outside the Youth Hostel with drizzle in the air. Paul K joined Mum, Ali, Chris and Natalie. Probably the best bit of the Cotswolds today; through impossibly pretty villages, beautiful woods and sumptuous rolling countryside which we shared with lots of others. Lovely day in the end, and we were surprised by the appearance of Mike and Fiona on route. So I had someone with me all day which was a help as I am getting more tired. Revived by the best B&B of them all and the loan of a car to get to the pub (3 miles) for a meal.



Day 11. Monday 30th.
Another fine morning stepping out through gentle countryside in splendid solitude as everyone is back at work. Found a lone poppy in a field on the only part of the Macmillan Way that Julie ever walked. Now lunching in Hailey Wood; just the path, Julie and me. perfect! Afternoon not as good as the morning; there has to be a slightly less pretty bit of the Cotswolds and I have just found it. Made good time though and I was at my B&B by 5; a self-contained annexe behind a modern row of stone terraced houses. Have had to deal with first blister today.


Day 12. Tuesday 1st May
After a pleasant evening in Avening I Was joined today by Peter, an old school friend. It was hotter again; I'm not knocking the weather but a little cooler would be ideal. Thank you. The day did not seem that long as it was flatter, quite a lot was on minor lanes and we were chatting away. Got our free visit to Westonbirt (the footpath goes straight through). Country is changing again now we are across the M4. Two thirds of the job done.

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