A large team

Today we left Shrewsbury and headed to Whitchurch

Today we had Nick, Chris T, Sophie, Matt R, Helena, Scott, Neila, Chetan, Darren. Matt J, Dan and Chris M walking with us with Greg doing the logistics bit. Pat (not in the picture joined us halfway and is walking tomorrow).

We started our walk by walking into Shrewsbury itself, past Lord Hill’s Column, a column of the Doric Order which measures 133 ft 6 in (40.7 m) in height and commemorates General Rowland Hill, 1st Viscount Hill with a 17 ft (5.2 m) tall statue standing on the top of the column. Then we crossed a very calm looking River Severn and started out into the countryside.

The route to Wem (our lunch destination) started out along a relatively busy A-road and the weather was a bit warmer than advertised. We eventually turned off onto a quieter B-road and then the heavens opened – it was like a tropical monsoon (but not as warm obviously!). Our plan for lunch in a nice quiet field was abandoned and Greg found a pub with an enclosed beer garden – so we took refuge from the rain, dried out a little bit and had lunch. The landlord of the White Lion in Wem generously donated to our cause as well.

Not a whole lot to see on the remainder of the route as we marched with wet socks and squelching shoes that will probably contribute to more blisters than usual. Cows are so curious when they stop whatever they are doing and watch as we walk past – I do wonder what they are thinking. Then the final pitstop at Greg’s mobile cafe before we arrived at the town border of Whitchurch.

Some lovely old building and houses as we moved on to our hotel (more about Whitchurch in tomorrow’s blog) and a sit down / beer before those not walking tomorrow departed.

Initially nervous about such a large group and busy roads but the day passed without incident (thankfully) and it was great to see friends and colleagues meeting in person (sometimes for the first time) and catching up. Tomorrow is nearly as busy with plenty of new faces in the group.

Tomorrow we head to Northwich in Cheshire

Posted in Lands End to John O'Groats, Walking.