I finally reached the source of the River Thames last week. I have loved almost every minute of the walk, meeting lots of different people, seeing wildlife I had never seen before and achieving a long held dream of walking from the Thames Barrier in South East London to the source of the river in Gloucestershire, 184 miles away.
The weather has been excellent for walking this summer so I hadly encountered any rain at all. For the most part I travelled from home to where I had finished walking the previous day. This in itself was a logistical challenge, having to co-ordinate the trains and buses. Some days it took almost 3 hours to get to my starting point and the same to get home so travelling was taking up as much time as the walk. But then time was on my side. I had not set myself a schedule so was not under pressure to finish within a particular number of days. In fact it took 17 days. It could easily be done in less if you are staying over on route. Once I reached Oxford I sought out accomodation and from then it was a continuous walk.
I met people from Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, the USA as well as many from the British Isles. I saw herons, cormorants,kingfishers and red kites by the dozen. There were fishermen, eel catchers, crayfish catchers, naturalists as well as naturists!
I was sorry it had come to an end but there will be another trail somewhere for me to walk again soon. Meanwhile I am continuing to document it on my other blog www.62andthenext10pathways.blogspot.co.uk
The posts are long but I want to do it as an aide memoire for myself. Here's to the next one
Sharing with Weekend reflections
The weather has been excellent for walking this summer so I hadly encountered any rain at all. For the most part I travelled from home to where I had finished walking the previous day. This in itself was a logistical challenge, having to co-ordinate the trains and buses. Some days it took almost 3 hours to get to my starting point and the same to get home so travelling was taking up as much time as the walk. But then time was on my side. I had not set myself a schedule so was not under pressure to finish within a particular number of days. In fact it took 17 days. It could easily be done in less if you are staying over on route. Once I reached Oxford I sought out accomodation and from then it was a continuous walk.
I was sorry it had come to an end but there will be another trail somewhere for me to walk again soon. Meanwhile I am continuing to document it on my other blog www.62andthenext10pathways.blogspot.co.uk
The posts are long but I want to do it as an aide memoire for myself. Here's to the next one
Sharing with Weekend reflections
Good for you. That is quite an accomplishment and shows great determination.
ReplyDeleteWell you have done it so well done, it's more than me who has only walked parts of it. Maybe one day I will do the lot but I'll start from the source.
ReplyDeleteNext Challenge how about the Ridgeway, not as long but sone nice sights on the way and you get the chance to pass through my area again.
That is quite an accomplishment! I am amazed at what you can do when you set your mind to it. Congratulations! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, that is quite an accomplishment indeed! A great challenge and you met it!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!! Terrific! All of that and a beautiful reflection for the day as well!! Enjoy your weekend!!
ReplyDeleteJoli partage merci ;o)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I look forward to reading about the rest of the walk.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like something I would love to do. I've heard there are beautiful trails and countryside to explore in your country. Someday......
ReplyDeleteOh gosh that's something I would so love to do, I miss the English countryside so much!
ReplyDeleteThat was a well earned glass and it's a lovely reflection!
What a great challenge you made, congratulations you did it. You are a real go-getter! Loved to follow some parts with you, thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your challenge and lovely reflection shot ~ thanks, carol ^_^
ReplyDeletecongratulations! :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice reflection shot.
ReplyDeleteI checked your other blog about your walk...that's such a unique village, so much to see. :)
Thanks for sharing.
Great reflection here. Congrats on achieving your goal - clearly keeping you immensely fit in the process!
ReplyDeleteCongrats. What a fabulous achievement. I can tell how proud you are of yourself for doing that. AWESOME.... Walking is so important and can be SO much fun!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is your next big project?
Hugs,
Betsy
This is great trip. I like the fact you could complete it without any major hiccups.
ReplyDeleteBoth portraits of you are so funny, so full of joy, so vibrant of life ! I love them... Great composition on the reflection : the drink looks very refreshing. ^^
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your bucket list Fun60, my husband who is a serious walker would enjoy it too:) i like your reflection shot, a very well deserved drink methinks..cheers :)
ReplyDeleteI wondered if you make it before the weather turned. But clearly your posting of the walk is behind real life. I am enjoying my arm chair travel immensely and it is one perfect argument against anyone who says negative things about the internet. I'd reckon that most of England don't know about the Thame and the Isis, but I do and I know where they join. Well done and thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeletePS, I have read a book by someone who walked Hadrians Wall, so I hope that is not on your bucket list.
Congratulations for setting a goal and then reaching it! I'm glad the weather cooperated with you too.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a great trip...beautiful photos...
ReplyDeleteI am incredibly impressed! Congratulations. I'll check out your walking blog.
ReplyDelete