Day 41 Part 2 - balancing act

(continued from Part One)

The sun was really intense but with a good walking surface and plenty to drink, I was getting through the miles easily.

I passed through Kempsey and reached the southern edge of Worcester in the late afternoon. I decided it was time to switch to the Severn Way and after a brief open path through a caravan park, I was soon plodding through the nettles again. It was striking how much less I could see and enjoy on the river compared with the road.

A stream interrupted the course of the footpath which looped inland. An unofficial shortcut lay invitingly in front of me in the form of a couple of fallen boughs. The drop beneath them would have left me badly hurt if I fell but I decided it was worth the risk. With my heavy backpack I wobbled onto the thick branch. Taking it very carefully, I edged forward. Confidence grew and I clambered across.

The path opened out at Diglis Lock and from here it was easy going into Worcester. It was busier too, with plenty of people out enjoying the sunshine.

I reached Burgage House, next to Worcester Cathedral, at 5pm. Louise welcomed my with a cool glass of iced water - very welcome.

(continues in Part Three)