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Day 13. Wednesday 2nd
Large group today but we all met on time at Castle Combe; Peter again, Graham Ha, Bob and Martin, and we were joined after lunch by Max who had walked from Avoncliff to meet us. We were doing well for time so stopped for a beer and baguette in the buffet bar of the Bear at Box. Lovely walk in the morning along the valley of the By Brook and in the early evening along the K&A canal. Over 200 miles done now and my aches and blister are easing. I may just have got into this walk.

Day 14. Thursday 3rd.
A cooler start today but the sun soon came through and with a bit of a breeze made for another very pleasant walk. Do I deserve the luck I've had with the weather? Graham and Martin again joined me as we did our castles day; Farleigh Hungerford in the morning and Nunney in the afternoon. Also met fellow Geo-grapher Brian (purdeysdad) for lunch at Buckland Dinham. Again had a lot of very pleasant riverside walking and suitable wildlife observing opportunities. Three-quarters done now but still looking forward to the rest of Somerset and Dorset.  A special mention to everyone at the White Hart at Trudoxhill - you contributed £195 at the quiz and raffle. Thank you all very much.


Day 15. Friday 4th.
Longest day today so Graham and I had an early breakfast and were walking by 8:30. A lot colder too, so fleeces on. By lunchtime the weather was back to "normal". Early climb to Gare Hill then into 6 miles of woodland. This was flat, easy to navigate and made for a nice change from farnland and villages. I did an interview with Radio Somerset but my friend Henry at Radio Berkshire deserted me; there must have been more important news. So through Bruton, with its stepping stones, to Castle Cary where Douglas Macmillan lived. Easier day than expected. Enjoyed it - again.

Day 16. Saturday 5th.
Anyone expecting a chocolate mountain today was in for a disappointment; Cadbury Castle is an iron age hill fort. The climb up is a marathon; the party of French children I passed said it was such 'ard work. I wonder how many people see it from the A303 be-twix London and Exeter?
The route is kinder today if a little difficult to follow in places - "go round tree" - that sort of thing. Discovered tonight's B&B have no knowledge of me so I had a cup of tea (the milky way today) and thanks to Fiona and Alan now have something. I'm looking forward to seeing Sherborne Abbew which nestles in the town.


Day 17. Sunday 6th
Another long day and 13 happy walkers; too numerous to mention but you can see them all in the photo, when most were reasonably fresh. It rained this morning, shock horror, but not for long and most of the day was ideal walking weather. Having got over the very late Indian meal last night and having some luxurious accommodation, the biggest challenge today has been route finding. We are deep into Dorset pasture country with plenty of fields, stiles and gates. All survived, and now I am about to go and choose my last pub meal for a while.

Day 18. Monday 7th.
Rain unfortunately; what have I done to deserve this? Oh, of course its a bank holiday. So fewer people around than expected. Martin, Alison and Imogen met me part way, and mum and Diana a bit further along. They all walked with me to the end so suffered strong winds, driving rain and mist that meant we missed most of the views. David, alan and Irina also joined us at Chesil Beach and we had a celebration and I got the wettest feet of the whole 18 days when I went a bit too far into the sea! So I have finished my walk for Julie ; thank you

all for your best wishes and support. just now I am very happy and off to have a long rest. I will write more reflecting on the whole experience soon.

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