Day 5 - Over halfway

Streatley to Watlington.

Guidebook distance: 15 miles / 24 Km

From phone: 40138 steps, 19.7 miles / 31.7 Km.

A bit of a late start today, but worth it to have a cooked breakfast and a coffee. It was also worth it to see Aaron manage to fit the whole pot of jam in his scone.

The walk today definitely had a different feel to it. It felt a lot less remote and the big views of the last few days were rarer.

The walk started along the River Thames which was pleasant, apart from the flies!

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I also passed a pill box - what a cool thing to have at the bottom of your garden!

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Today felt like the threat of rain was never far away, although it never actually arrived.

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This led to a very humid and tough walk. Especially on the steep uphill sections.

It really started to feel like spring had arrived as the bluebells were exploding everywhere.

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Another very welcome water tap.

There are some real welcome things along the Ridgeway. For example the Holy Trinity Church at Nuffield which provides not only a water tap but also tea, biscuits and cakes inside with an honesty box.

Unfortunately I was just too late to take advantage, but I had bumped into the 'old hat couple' again and they told me they had had a nice break there!

As you do, the Ridgeway went right through the middle of a golf course!

Down, and up again!

The joys of being back near civilisation!