Walking the Offa's Dyke Path
Day Eight: Trial by Pain
Wales is beautiful
The intrepid hikers embarked on the first leg of the northern section of the Offa's Dyke Path, a 17-mile stretch from Knighton to Brompton. It rained throughout the night, and when the "fab four" awoke at 6:00 a.m., the rain persisted. Fortunately, by the time they started walking, it had stopped, although the threat of rain still lingered. In fact, they only experienced rain once during the entire day—remarkably good luck considering summertime weather in Wales. All four walked through emerald green fields, past massive mushrooms, purple lupines, and deep green ferns. Wales truly is a beautiful place to hike.
The intrepid hikers
Weeks before the team set out, Mary had fallen and broken a rib. True to form, she disregarded the discomfort and chose to continue the walk. However, after three miles of challenging hiking, the pain began to overwhelm her. Mary bravely struggled down her last steep and slippery hillside. Once she reached the road at Seiley Hall, the very courageous Mary decided she could go no further. David also left the walk to escort her home. Both of them had to abandon a hike they had been so eagerly anticipating, which saddened everyone. After a brief rest, they bid farewell and sped off in a taxi back to Knighton. Now, only Julia and Ernest remained to conquer the Offa's Dyke Path.
Mary struggled down her last steep and slippery hillside
It was 12:30 p.m., and the remaining hikers had only covered three miles, so they knew they had to increase their pace or face the prospect of walking in the dark. For the next 14 miles, they charged uphill and down dale. In fact, they climbed a total of 2,654 feet that day and descended the same before the walk was over. Ascending was difficult, but descending the steep, greasy, muddy slopes proved even more challenging—so much so that Ernest fell numerous times into the black, oozing mud, much to the amusement of Julia, who somehow managed to avoid the mire.
Farmhouse accommodation
They finally arrived at their farmhouse accommodation at 7:30 p.m., tired, happy, and grateful for all the spectacular scenery they had witnessed. They were both very pleased to know that Mary would be safe in her bed that night, recovering and preparing to walk with them again soon. However, many miles of walking lay ahead. Could they continue? Would they complete the Offa's Dyke Path?
Join the intrepid hikers as they continue their adventure on the Offa's Dyke Path.