Day 33 – that was longer than expected

Runcorn to Tarporley. 20.78 miles 1,965 ft of elevation, 43,302 steps

Well that was a little bit longer than planned. First thing this morning I was showing Catherine how short today and how long tomorrow’s walk was going to be. All planned and today was a day to take our time and build strength for tomorrow.

So, relaxed, We set off at 10am having said goodbye to the girls and left Ged watching Wales vs Australia. It seemed strange, very quiet and no canals in sight. After navigating around Frodsham we started a full day on the Sandstone trail. One would imagine with a name like sandstone you could expect a ice dry, rocky path. Easy and smooth underfoot.What it really meant was a very muddy surface – the recent rain sat on the top solid and had not drain into the ground. Add to this, the marathon they organised for today along the trail, with hundreds of runners – the mud was even worse and the going even harder than it otherwise would have been

Still, not to worry as we had a short walk and we were soon (well after about 13 miles), heading in to Kelsall and our pub for the night. First we walked past the Farmers arms and commented that this was a bit posh assuming our spot would be a rough old pub as before. Then we got to the the Kings Arms (a boutique pub/hotel experience), and were told that they did not accept dogs. …. I was sure I had used the dog filter on booking.com. To be honest it was a bit posh and we eventually found a pub in a Tarporley that took dogs “10 minutes down the road” said the receptionist. Not when you are walking…..

6 miles, and two hours later we arrived at the Swan in Tarporley – guaranteed to take dogs. (Was still a bit posh though ) Catherine felt her style was not suite in keeping with the Cheshire set…..

A bit of a wobble when they said they only had one room that took a dog and it was already booked but we are all sorted now and have had a great meal. But….. it is So posh up here!

20 miles, a late arrival, and stray dog that followed us for 3 miles (oh, she likes to wander said the lady we bumped in to, she luckily new the owner). Bit of an understatement if you ask me.

schooner and I are exhausted and are going to bed. Still a big day tomorrow, but maybe not quite so big. Good thing