Day 4. And we thought yesterday was hot…
12.6 miles, 4 hours 52 walking time
Treated to a fab sunset last night and a reasonably good sleep in the tent. Took ages to pack everything away, so we didn’t leave until 8.15.
The obligatory 1 mile uphill to start the day and get the legs burning. A couple of other walkers we’ve seen several times joined us for a while, which ate up a couple of speedy miles.
The route took us through the edge of some woods, which gave us some shelter, and then through lots of open fields down to the bottom of the valley at Upwaltham to another Cadence cafe. Bacon rolls the order of the day and refilled our water supplies. About 5 miles done.
Straight back up the other side of the valley, a good 30 minutes uphill, so we stopped in the shady grass at the top, we both nearly dozed off, so hot.
Lots more open fields and chalky paths with little respite from the sun, we were stopping more and more frequently to take off the bags, seemingly heavier every day. Stopped for lunch at 7.5 miles for some doorstop sandwiches made by the farmers’ wife for us, lovely.
Finally, a breeze arrived for some cooler parts before a long descent into Amberley.
Bits of heat rash, very sore feet, but a very welcome sight of our pub accommodation at last.
Tomorrow’s forecast is cooler with 50% chance of rain. Let’s hope so. it’s our longest and hilliest day, but for now, we’re halfway there!
