The last long day...28kms
Trip Start
Mar 16, 2012
1
13
17
Trip End
Apr 01, 2012
Llangollen, Wales, United Kingdom
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
28kms
Early start with typical full english.
Another wonderfully hot day with no cloud to be seen. Luckily I know have my 30+ sun protection to keep me from turning into bacon.
It was a comfortable 10km walk to the first attraction of the day - Chirk Castle - a fantastically preserved castle belonging to the National Trust (so free entrance for me, wiggle, wiggle).
They actually allow people to take photographs if no flash is used, so quite a few included here.
A funny thing happened while I was having a coke in the National Trust picnic area. A group of Down Syndrome chaps and their two tutors arrived. I was chatting away minding my own business, when one of the chappies who whas quite tall and strong walked up to my table without hesitation, took my bottle of coke, opened the top and proceeded to drink it at an impressive speed while sighing with relief. I didn't have the heart to say anything so just smiled and continued talking on the phone...the tutors didn't see anything either as they were buying drinks for them. I had to giggle silently with the situation. I had drunk half anyway so probably didn't need the rest (or so the chap thought).
I then continued another 7kms to the second attraction of the day - the canal aqueduct, at Froncysyllte, which is still used by canal boats and walkers. Quite an experience (see pictures). Apparently its a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of North Wales!
Now every time I look at the map the path left seems to be getting very achievable. I must have roughly walked 250kms and happy to walk the remaining 50kms.
The legs are more than fine and the blisters have practically disappeared (just slight bumps)...so I guess I can consider myself full "trekked up"! Even my speed has increased again and the rucksack is just a gentle reminder of a long holiday.
Sadly today is the last day I will share my walk with Offa's Dyke as the dyke itself continues further East and away from the designated walking route. Farewell Offa!
The last 7kms of the day were back to the Shropshire Union Canal which I walked along yesterday morning when leaving Welshpool. Not a minute too late as its completely flat (as canals tend to be...) and has plenty of shade from trees, as well as a few benches to rest. A great place to cycle in the future.
