Happy Smiley People

Its great to get back to the walk, the long weekends come round quickly and it always feels good to head off again on another adventure.

I had an early start with the train to London, then a short hop to Paddington, train to Kemble and bus back to Cirencester where I left off 3 weeks ago. Today I'm walking to Avening a total of 12 miles. After my Cirencester detour I also re join the main Macmillan Way.

After the traumas of the first day walk in the last section which was also 12 miles, this walk was much more pleasant, it was fairly easy going and the weather was good, less humid than my last walk, plenty of sunshine and a nice breeze, a good day for walking.

As the miles appeared to be passing by quickly, I decided I'd earned a pint. The Tunnel House Inn, was flagged as a must stop pub, so I did the courteous thing and decided I must stop and check it out. It didn't disappoint, it was a bit quirky but in a beautiful setting. The pub is at one end of the Sapperton Tunnel on the disused Thames & Severn canal. It was originally built for the labourers working on the two mile long tunnel, which when it was completed in 1789, it was the longest of any kind in England, until 1811 when the Standedge Tunnel opened.

I walked through some lovely villages today, a couple stood out; Nag's Head, I really wanted this village to have a pub called The Nag's Head, but it wasn't to be. They did however have a telephone box which has been converted to a book exchange. I've seen many of these on my walk and I think its great to see them being used in that way.

As I walked through Cherington there were some stunning houses, and my Airbnb host told me that it's the centre of 'European Banking', if there is a crash the houses go up for sale! Safe to say I don't think I'll be looking to buy there following the next banking crash!

I did however spot an ideal 'renovation' opportunity for my retirement, (when I eventually get there). It's a Gothic roundhouse, there are no floors but there is an original fireplace (with a tree growing up it). On the downside there is no road access but on the upside there is a great pub in easy walking distance. Perfect. I'm going to make some enquiries!

Gothic Roundhouse 

I made it to Avening in good time, with a great welcome from my Airbnb hosts, cup of tea and homemade toffee shortbread - to die for! It's Just a coincidence that I'd decided to stop in Avening and the village boasts two pubs. So although I intended to visit both (it would be rude not to) I had to plump for one to eat at. As Bob my mate says "I've never made a reyt decision in my life", and so it proved!

I'll just pause at this point and say that it's all about people, our opinions of places are so informed by how people react with us. The lady that served me in the Tunnel House Inn made conversation with me, she didn't have to, but it was great that she did. As I walk through villages if people interact with me, I just feel more positive about the place. Little things. The welcome I got in the Queen Matilda and the Bell were poles apart. I'd chosen the Queen Matilda to eat, unfortunately they were busy and couldn't fit me in, but I just felt very uncomfortable, I quickly finished my pint and headed off to the Bell.  In the Bell totally opposite, friendly smiling faces, it made a world of difference.

Anyway, a nice evening, the plan is to get a good night's rest and then ready for the walk to Littleton Drew tomorrow - well it's Grittleton, really but that's just to find accommodation!

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