Frome to Devizes
After a clear and chilly night, I once again had frost on my tent! Though the sun soon rose and by the time I was setting off, I was back in a t-shirt.
It was beautiful and sunny, without a cloud in the sky. The weather the last two days has been truly gorgeous. I couldn’t have hoped for better weather. Today I decided to take my time and make the most of my journey. I chose to rest in the shade when I could and enjoy walking without a schedule. I knew that I’d got a long day ahead (about 22 miles) and didn’t want to push myself too early, whilst talking in the heat. It was really nice to have a relaxed day and make the most of the weather.
I started off by rejoining the East Mendip Way, through some woodland and into Great Elm.
At Great Elm, I left the East Mendip Way and joined the Macmillan Way. On my way to Buckland Dinham, I had beautiful views of the surrounding fields. Once I got to the village, I stopped in the bus stop for a snack. It was nice to pause in the shade and it was interesting to read the village notice board at the same time.
I continued on the Macmillan Way, through some woodland and across a golf course to Beckington.
As I passed through Lullington, I got a view of Gloucester Lodge, which looked like a castle!
After Beckington, I left the Macmillan Way and followed some lanes to Rudge. There were still no clouds in the sky!
I then took some footpaths from Rudge to Heywood. The footpath discs had once again changed and I was now in Wiltshire, which meant I had crossed Somerset and was now 3 counties down!
On my way, I had views of the White Horse. The chalk horse is one of 8 remaining in Wiltshire.
Once in Heywood, I stopped at the local pub for a lemonade and some ice cream. It was really refreshing, and so nice to cool down!
Fuelled by my ice cream, I set off along footpaths to East Town. The track was nice and not too muddy! I found that the ground has started to get a bit drier. However. the odd field is still rather wet and muddy, so I’m yet to finish a day with dry boots. I’m very grateful for their waterproofing as I do still finish with dry feet.
At East Town, I joined the White Horse Way. The White Horse Way is a 93 mile circular route that sounds together all of the white horses in Wiltshire. I continued on the way for the rest of the afternoon.
I found some shade under a tree and stopped for a snack. The view up the field ahead of me was beautiful.
The White Horse Way took me to Steeple Ashton. Where I misread my map and took the road further into the village. All was not lost, as I stopped in the village store to buy some oranges and had a lovely chat with the two ladies who were running it. After realising my mistake and retracing my steps, I passed the local church, which was really impressive.
On my way into Keevil, I came across a selection of garden gnomes in the hedge, which were a nice surprise.
In Keevil, they still had the stocks in the middle of the village. They were padlocked, so I didn’t fancy giving them a try!
The White Horse Way continued out of Keevil and took me along some lovely paths to Bulkington.
In Bulkington, I had another pause in a bus stop. This one housed the village book shelves. There was about 100 books in there and a wide selection too!
I then continued along more footpaths to my campsite. I’ve of my favourite things about walking East has been having the sun behind me in the afternoon. I love the long shadows that it creates on the grass and all of the beautiful colours.
10 hours later, I reached my campsite just as the sun was starting to set. I had a lovely day. I really enjoyed taking time to enjoy travelling. I saw over 10 deer at different points during the day, leaping ahead of me, which were beautiful. I’ve been quite surprised to see so many down here.
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