End of Week 1 - Summary

Day Seven: Southam to Brownsover (Rugby)

Gary my host last night

I should have said more about Gary who came in from work and cooked a lovely supper.   He also had arranged a football match in my honour and invited some friends around to watch it on the tv.  He produced hotdogs at half time, shortly before the commentator uttered the immortal words: "Oh no, England have caved in again!"  Somehow we beat the Swedes, and a good time was had by all.  However, I have a feeling I did not write as much last night as I usually do.

This morning I had a super breakfast and recorded a short talk with Gary before setting off.

listen to ‘Gary ’ on Audioboo

The weather was overcast and windy, but dry.  The first person I met was Carole (with an e!) and her dog Gracie.  I recorded a talk with her and that uploaded well.

Carole and Gracie

listen to ‘Carole and Gracie’ on Audioboo

Then I met Freddie and we had a lovely conversation about the length of the walk and the length of their farm drive.  This conversation has so far refused to upload, but I will keep trying.

Freddie and his mum and dad

 I noticed how high the main road was above the surrounding countryside, and wonder if this is the result of generations of folk laying down new levels, or whether it has been artificially constructed.  At one point I looked to the right and realised that the Grand Union Canal was 150' below.  My short podcast about this also has yet to upload.

The Grand Union Canal hidden from view

Is this the best way to travel?

Or this?

Lunch was at the Leam Valley Golf Centre.  Unfortunately they did not have any soup or jackets, so I was forced to have a second full English.  Oops.  It was delicious though.  I read another chapter of a book I am reading about Martin of Tours.

Who would live in a house like this?

This is an eye-catching modern house, but the M45 is in a cutting 200m to the right.  The blue house to the left is called Tofts Monk.  There are a lot of place names associated with water (ford, well) or the church (glebe, priors, church, etc).

The church and thatched cottages in Dunchurch

 Dunchurch itself was picture book and pretty.

Leigh who bought me a cup of tea at The Bull

As I came down into Rugby, keeping my open for the famous school (Tom Brown, Flashman, etc), the clouds opened and it sheeted down.  I, and quite a few others, took shelter in The Bull in Rugby, and Leigh kindly bought me a cup of tea.  (My conversation with him will follow, I hope).

As I had to keep  my HD Desire dry, there are no photos of Rugby, but I trudged on and made good time to my hosts Tom and Avril Arundel.  I have been made most welcome and had a lovely dinner and a glass of wine.  They came back last night from holiday in Orckney, and stayed at Lindisfarne on the way up.  They are members of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, and were one of the first couples I contacted when planning the walk.

Day six - Cropedy to Southam

Pat and Barry had to leave early so I had the run of the Rectory - a leisurely breakfast and I set off at around 10.00am, after waiting for the rain to pass. By the way, my feet are in good shape! and 11 miles to walk today from Cropedy to Southam.

listen to ‘Friday morning setting off’ on Audioboo

Friday morning setting off

At lunchtime I arrived in Upper Boddington, and sat outside the Plough pub, before heading along welsh road towards shepherds hill. I can imagine generations bringing sheep down from the hills.

listen to ‘Sitting in Upper Boddington ’ on Audioboo

I met some interesting characters in a garden I passed....

Garden Sculptures

 This is the prayer book that I used when I walked the Camino to Santiago in 2006. I pray at specific times of day, and recorded my prayer from this book today in the audioBoo.

My Prayer Book from 2006

listen to ‘Friday Midday Prayer ’ on Audioboo

Priors Hardwick

3 miles out from Southam, I passed Radbourne cattage farm where I recorded this...

listen to ‘Radbourne Cottage Farm’ on Audioboo

Then out of the blue, I passed the HQ of 2028 Southam squadron of the ATC. Nobody around though, but I do send them my best wishes.

HQ of 2028 Southam Sqd of the ATC 

Walking down to visit the Holy Well at Southam, I spotted the HQ of 2028 Southam Sqd of the ATC. I pass on by best wishes to them


listen to ‘Southam ATC’ on Audioboo

 The Holy Well at Southam

 The Holy Well was first mentioned in 964.  The water is very cold and is reputed to be good for eye conditions.  There is a very good path from the ATC.

Seth Bond - rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade

 St James Church in Southam 

I popped into St James Church in Southam as they set up for their fete in the church. They have removed their old pews, and put a York sandstone floor down, giving them a flexible space to hold, well, a fete in. We are also planning on removing our fixed pews to create such a wonderful space. Great to see it working so well at St James.

So ends another say on my pilgrimage to Holy Island. Tomorrow I set off on day 7 to Brownsover, to explore more of lovely Warwickshire. Goodnight and God bless.