Day 56 A wet day

Today it was drizzling when I woke up. It continued to drizzle all day, except for a couple of hours when it rained more heavily.

I had to go to the outskirts of Sandbach to buy some food (Co-op sandwiches) for lunches, and I hoped that the footpaths around a suburb might be well-walked

It was lovely-several fields of clear, crop-free footpaths. There were no cows today, but there were a surprising number of horses and a few sheep

I crossed the M6, and, at 12.30 found myself in Brereton Green. Brereton Green was having a bear festival, commemorating Sir William Brereton who stabbed his valet to death for interrupting his dinner. I know I can be irritable if my food isn’t forthcoming (of which more later) but really. I nipped into the Bear’s Head Inn for a refreshing OJ and soda, and it was so nice that I thought I might forego my sandwich and have lunch there. I came to my senses-two pub meals in one day? I think not. Instead I took a few photos of the bears

From now on my route was mainly along roads with the odd byway amd bridleway thrown in. I put my waterproofs on. I walked, and walked. I took a picture of Brereton Hall Lodge-the byway went straight through it

15.3 heavy, long miles in I reached the pub where I’m staying tonight. Today is the first day I have carried all my camping kit, as well as my usual kit. Back in the mists of time, when I started out, I had hurt my shoulder. Rather than abandon the trip I booked luggage transfer. That way I could start off with the bare minimum and add weight as my shoulder got better. My shoulder got better within a week, but I never carried my full kit as my tent pole broke and I posted the camping gear home. My tent is now mended and I am camping tomorrow and the next day -so there might be a gap in the blog as I don’t think there will be WiFi at the campsites. This means that my backpack is heavier than it has ever been, and boy did I notice it today.

Despite this, I made good time and arrived at the pub at 4.15. I couldn’t rouse anyone for a while but when I did I was appalled. They are shut on Mondays and Tuesdays. Did you not check the website, Rose? I hear you ask. Of course, and the website clearly says 7 days/week. I won’t bore you with my reaction but I was not a happy bunny. I was thinking sad thoughts about the delicious and calorific lunch that I had opted out of at the Bear’s Head when I remembered that I had several dehydrated camping meals in my bag. It was the work of but a moment to boil the kettle and rehydrate one of them. Not the best, mainly potato, but hot.

Still, the forecast for tomorrow is dry, the route is shorter (though uphill) and my pack will be lighter as I have eaten some of the weight.