Vaseline and the Lonely Walker

I've not mentioned my chafing for a while. It's not gone away and usually by the third day it's getting quite sore. I have measures such as cycling shorts and Vaseline which help, but today about two hours into my walk, I was getting quite uncomfortable. I'd stopped for a water break (in and out) and was just debating about applying some more Vaseline to help. I had a quick look around there was no one about, so I went for it. If anyone had walked passed at that point I've no idea what they would have thought. I had my hand down my trousers rubbing away and a tin of Vaseline on the bench next to me!

Anyway it served it's purpose and things were more comfortable for the rest of the walk, which today took me from my Cabin at the Greedy Goose to Hampnett. I had a further add on walk to get to Northleach and then to my accommodation in  Cheltenham.

I had an early start, no cooked breakfast today, but a couple of croissants were provided and a coffee, so my plan was to get to Lower Slaughter and the The Slaughters Inn for lunch. The mornings walking was lovely, although there was a downpour, it didn't last for long and the sunshine and a nice cool breeze were the order of the day. I crossed into Gloucestershire, passed Stowe on the Wold, and landed at the pub just after 12. Perfect planning.

A poem by Edward Thomas

However this wasn't a pub, I'm not quite sure what it was. I was 'accosted' at the door by a Maître d'pub, who wanted to know if I was eating, I wasn't allowed to sit at the bar but chaperoned to a table. Have you ever tried saying Hobgoblin with a French accent? It's tricky, I eventually worked out what he was saying, but I went for a pint of the Brakspear. Two rants then I'll move on 1) crisps are crisps not chips and 2) why is food served on a sheet of paper, I hate that. It's not about saving on the washing up, so what's the point? Anyway £18 for a ham sandwich chips (chips not crisps) and a beer. I'll not be rushing back!

The afternoon walk was definitely more 'Cotswold' with classic rolling wolds and wide open countryside, it really is so beautiful. I walked through Maugersbury, I mention it for no other reason, other I think its a great name! I haven't seen many other long distance walkers but I met a lady today who was completing the Gloucestershire Way and she had a lovely Cocker Spaniel with her. I had desperate pangs to have Oscar walking with me again, he would be loving this walking, but logistically it is just too difficult - missing you Oskie!

I made really good progress today and covered my total c18miles in good time, in fact I managed to catch the early bus to Cheltenham from Northleach  (801 Pulham & Sons) and determined not to repeat the Hornton Grounds experience, I had time to cool down and drink some water on the bus. 

I had a lovely warm welcome from Sue at the Airbnb. Cup of tea, shower and then off to the recommended Beehive, a proper pub in Cheltenham, great food, real ale and not a Maître'd in sight, just how pubs should be.

I'm over halfway now, 153 miles  of the 290 miles completed, I had a couple of pints of Heart and Soul, from Vocation brewery to celebrate.

Tomorrow is the final day of this section, Hampnett to Cirencester and then the train from Kemble to London and London to Peterborough where I hope the back up team will be waiting.

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