A dash for last orders - walking blog part three (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

A dash for last orders - walking blog part three

4:37pm Monday 21st April 2008

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THROUGHOUT April, May and June, kindhearted walker Ian Orrell (60) will take on the challenge of his life.

Ian Orrell, of Higher Lane, Whitefield, is walking 874 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in a bid to raise £6,000 for the Emmaus homeslessness charity.

In this regular diary, the retired teacher tells of his adventure.

April 17 (continued from part two) By the time I reached the top of the hill on Monday at 1000ft, the hail was lying.

I decided to push on as there was a suitable pub for lunch in a mile or so.

Imagine my dismay when I found that it was shut only on Mondays!

"Nevermind," said the licensee, "if you're quick, you'll get to the next one before it shuts at 2.30pm - it's only three miles away."

The time then was 2.00 so no chance.

This particular day I had decided at the outset that my original planning was far too ambitious and had drastically cut the route at the expense of having a lot of main road walking.

Ros, my niece, met me at Hallatrow and I stayed with her and Paul for the night.

Next day I set off for Bristol and to meet the Emmaus Group there.

The companions were very welcoming and showed me around their shop where they sold not only furniture but fridges, TVs and bikes as well as books.

I then had to get to Frampton Cotterell which I managed by their marvellous cross-city bike/walkway.

Another marvellous meal and, even better, a wonderfully comfortable bed to stretch out my tired legs.

Wednesday saw me cross the Severn Bridge into Wales.

So far I've been in eight counties including. Gwent and Monmouth.

To sponsor Ian, visit the link below.

Read parts one and two by clicking the links below.

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