Day 4, Thursday, April 30: Stanton to Winchcombe

We began the day in the rain and spent most of it in a constant drizzle. We walked 8 miles from Stanton to Winchcombe. Our rain jackets were perfect for this weather. The temperatures stayed in the mid 60s most of the day. We mailed postcards to a few people (Randy and Meg be watching for yours to come!)

We passed through the lovely little hamlet of Stanway and saw the old gatehouse of Stanway House. This manor has been only changed hands once in 1300 years. That's a long time for a house to be in the same family.


We got lost twice today. With the rain we were walking with our heads down and were not paying close attention to the post markers. We had to back track to get back on the correct path. At one of the markers we say the following sign.

We did not see the bull!

We were walking down a steep, wet incline and I fell (I = Neil). The longer we walked today the more I felt it. Shortly after we arrived at the B&B this afternoon I spent time stretching before a shower. I couldn't figure out why I was so sore when all I ahve done today is walk. Kathy reminded me that I fell.

We had a great lunch at Hayles Family farm. We were the youngest people there for lunch. It must be quite the place for older couples to go for lunch.


We visited the ruins of Hailes Abbey. It was consecrated in 1251 for a group of monks. The museum and grounds were great to visit.


We’ve met several interesting people along the way. Yesterday we met a couple form Northern England who were walking the Cotswolds for the first time. They were doing the entire 100 miles in 7 days instead of 2 weeks like us. We did 10 miles yesterday and they were going to do 18!
Today as we started off from Stanton we met a guy from Buffalo, New York and his daughter from Rockville, Maryland. They are also going to do the entire 100 miles in a week. (And some of you thought that we were crazy!)
We met a 62-year old man today walking a few of his dogs. He has three groups of dogs that he walks every day. He said he walks 3 hours every day and gets in about 50 miles a week.


We're spending tonight a One Silk Mill Lane in Winchcombe. We had a fantastic meal tonight at the White Hart restaurant. (Last night's meal was awful! Probably the worst food we've eaten anywhere.)