Chepstow to Bristol. 15.49 miles, 1,181ft of elevation, 36,435 steps
I started this morning all a bit stressed and worrying about the next few days ahead. But thanks to Thick taking the lead in sorting out Exmoor and the run in to Barnstaple, and the lovely company of Mandy today it’s actually been a great day.
The sun shone (for the first mile or so) as we made our way from Chepstow station (me having returned back from Cardiff) toward the Severn Estuary bridge (old one).
Of course, once we got to the bridge it started to rain and got heavy at times. The bridge walk, whilst quite intimidating, was in fact a breeze and despite the wobbles every time a lorry went past, with the cracking pace Mandy set we were over in no time.
We walked the southern bank of the estuary which at times was very rural and others very industrial
Eventually we made our way in to the suburbs and got to Rachel Mannings parent house in the suburbs of Bristol.
Tea and a washing machine awaited and we had a lovely afternoon chatting whilst the socks and pants got washed properly (rather than being used as a floor mat in the shower). All set for the last two weeks. Thank you Martin and Suzanne.
Unfortunately, Stuart has had to postpone his walk due to work commitments so we went in to the city to meet up with Nick, Hooky and Sam from the office for a sausage feast (no sniggering please – this was genuine).
Mandy – like Tommy Underwood, thank you so much for joining me on a tough and on paper un-exciting day of walking. It was great to catch up – and how many other people do you know that have walked over the Severn estuary.
