Despite yesterdays sunny evening, it was damp again when we set off, though it soon started to brighten. Ian found a good route back on to the A49, but with tired legs etc we had started fairly slowly. Stopped off in Whitchurch for elevenses. Were directed by 2 local lads to what turned out to be the back door of a chippy! They had a cafe at the back of the chippy, but weren’t open till midday. We were about to leave when they called us back, specially made us some bacon baps,threw in some free tea, and were really nice and chatty.
After a few discussions we realised we were unlikely to get a day ahead by reaching Monmouth, so agreed to find a site around Ludlow.

Ended up at Wayside Camping in Ashton-on-Clun, nr Craven Arms. An excellent small site, very clean facilities and friendly owners. They donated our site fees to GOSHCC.
Better still was the Kangaroo Arms, a short walk from the campsite, where evening refreshments were had. Aston-on-Clun is ‘home of the famous Arbor Tree’. Had a good chat with the landlord, who filled us in on the history of the tradition.

Looking back at the profile for this leg, what was our slowest day (79.1 miles @ 8mph) had a fair bit to do with hills. From the 55 mile point we had 15 miles of almost continual climbing. Thats my excuse, and i’m sticking to it…..