Kelmarsh Hall 25-26 July 2009

Welcome to the Fairfax Battallia, the officers in their yellow buff coats, the musket block, the drummers and fifers, and finally the pikemen.


To join in with the Battalia at this event was why I pushed myself to finish on Friday 24 July. We had an excellent turn out with quite a few new members. Was it worth it? You bet it was. Marching onto the battlefield with the sound of drums and fife floating over the top was just magical. The Battallia was professional, smart and just awesome.
After 69 days of walking and this event - wearing period footwear - I still failed to receive any blisters on my feet.

But it wasn't all military battles. Afterwards the Battallia got together for a BBQ. It was time for us to wind down and relax with good food & drink and excellent company.

Everyone was full of support and passed on words of congratulations. It was all very humbling as it began to dawn on me the true level of support that was behind me, not just within the Battalia but throuthout the English Civil War Society (ECWS). For that I am truly grateful.

After the BBQ came the beer tent, and all the joviality that followed is just a true reflection on the character and spirit of re-enactment. This picture is of a gent dressed as Darth Maul, but there were others, Storm troopers, Super Heroes, Cartoon figures and even Santa on his sliegh giving out Christmas presents.

Howard Giles introduced me to the masses where I explained who I was and what I had just achieved. We took a collection in the beer tent afterwards and raised another £305.85. The next day, as ECWS members left, another collection took place by the Essex Regiment which will be added later.

All-in-All everyone had a stonking great time. So if you like history and feel like joining a re-enactment group, get out there and get involved. If you're not sure who to approach then drop me an email at charitypikeman@btinternet.com and I'll see if I can get you in touch with someone that might help.
But the best... well for me anyway was yet to come. On the Sunday just before the final grand parade, I was taken by the Battallia CO to meet JT (Lord General of the Kings Army) who presented me with a pair of 17th century shoes in recognition of my efforts. This was humbling enough and yet when formed up with the Battallia the Lord General of the Roundhead Association presented me with the DUNBAR medal, the highest form of award in the Roundhead Asociation. On both accounts I am deeply grateful and offer my most sincere thanks.

Finally, here's a gentleman (and his lady) I'd like you to meet.

No, NOT Shrek, but the man under the paint job.

He's had a Help for Heroes tattoo done on his leg. His name's Andy Robinson (or Champion to his friends). This is the fourth time I'd run into a H4H fundraiser during my journey and I've realised there are a whole lot more of you out there! :-)

Day 69 - Celebrations at Lands End

Sorry it's been a while since I last blogged but I've been so fatigued it has taken time to pluck up the energy and motivation to get back on the pc; my body has more or less gone into shut down mode.

This is me enjoying a well earned Cornish pastie with my son Thomas and a drop of the bubbly stuff. The total raised for the week 10 leg of the journey is £283.89 moving me over the £12,000 barrier, so thank you very much.

Tonight I intend to add a further blog giving details of Kelmarsh, then over the next fortnight I will add a couple more blogs where I will give out details such as stats for the journey and lessons learned. So please keep coming back and don't forget the justgiving site remains open for donations until October.

Day 69 - Lands End 1.jpg

Well my friends, my walk is finally reached it end. But don't stop viewing because there will still be Kelmarsh photos to come.

Paula found me 2 miles from my destination and Thomas took the opportunity to walk the final stretch just as he did when I set out back on the 17 May.

With Thomas in tow I arrived at Lands End as predicted at 1200 on the dot. I was met by friends and family who applauded me as I reached the recognized start/stop point. I then went to the hotel to hand in my paperwork so that I can be credited with doing the walk. After that I made my way to the signpost for an official photo.

My great aunt Ethel (Who at 92 still drives), is a shining example of how to live life, provided Cornish pasties and Paula provided scones and Cornish cream.
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Day 69 - Penzance Harbour 1.jpg

Day 69 (24 July)(1 day to go - ie LAST DAY)
I arrived at Penzance Harbor just before 0800. Today is the last leg of my great big adventure. I'm a little sad about that but I'm also glad because it has been tough going. I hope Paula can cope with my swings in emotions over the next few days as I come down of a high.

I spoke with BFBS again this morning, probably giving my best interview so far.

So its one final push now... As I write this I'm only 6 miles from finishing.
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Day 68 - St Michaels Mount.jpg

A well known tourist sight... St Michael's Mount. After the radio interview I continued on to Penzance passing by a spot where I was able to get this photo.

I was also met by a member of the press release office of RNAS Culdrose. He took some notes and some photos... especially when I was handed a donation. He was also amazed at how many people were beeping their horns.

I arrived in Penzance at 1645 which allows me a decent amount of time to rest and prepare for my final walk tomorrow to Lands End (10 miles).
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Day 68 - Shaun & Beverley Emmett (radio Cornwall).jpg

Apparently over the past few days people have been ringing into Radio Cornwall stating that they have seen a 17C soldier walking along the A30. This in turn has led to an interested phone in as to what its all about. Well, today I was passed by Shaun and Beverly Emmett who, on seeing me pulled over, they rang Radio Cornwall and then stopped me so that I could inform all the listeners as to what I'm doing. Well, I thought I was getting a lot of waves and horn beeps before, afterwards nearly every other vehicle said hello. Thank you Shaun and Beverley and thank you Radio Cornwall.
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Day 68 - Redruth Tin Mines.jpg

Day 68 (23 July) (2 days to go)
Today's photo is of a well know type of Cornish landmark, the chimneys of the tin mines.

Having made Redruth last night I'm really starting to buzz at the prospect of finishing in time for Kelmarsh. Colin dropped me off again at 0830 by the main roundabout North of Redruth on the A30. There I was again plodding along, alone on a busy dual carriage-way. It was only a matter of time before the police came and said hello.

Apparently someone had rung the police and informed them that there was a 17C soldier walking along the A30. So out of curiosity a police car dropped by to see what it was all about. He informed me that I was quite alright, as I was walking on the correct side...ie into the flow of traffic, and he should a genuine interest in what I am attempting to do. Apparently its not only the police who have been talking about me...(see the next blog)
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Day 67 - Newlyn Downs Wind Farm.jpg

Ok it is not the best of pictures but I can certainly see why there ate wind farms here. My flag ripped from its tethers today and needed a lunch time mend. The weather also held for the entire day...cloudy and windy but no rain, hurrah.

I made it to Redruth for 1645 and this evening have been catching up on blogs and my personal diary. Its also nice to let my feet have a semi-decent rest. I'm glad I pushed the first few days this week to 20+ because tomorrow is just 17.5 and Friday 9.1 miles. No... I'm not walking to Kelmarsh.
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Day 67 - Indian Queens.jpg

Day 67 (22 July) (3 days to go)
Colin dropped me off this morning at Indian Queens Industrial Estate at 0845. My entire walk today is along the A30 where I hope to make it to Redruth. How's the weather I hear you ask... cloudy and very windy but at least it is dry. I'm wearing the oil cloth coat to help cut out the chill in the wind. Tomorrow Penzance and Friday 1200 Lands End.

Don't forget... Kelmarsh this weekend, and there's still time to donate so please tell everyone to have a look at the blog and better still the justgiving site www.justgiving.com/pikeman
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TV interview

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Malcolm's been on TV. Goto BFBS TV; Watch Reports; Pikeman - to see the interview.
http://bfbs-tv.com/pages/extranet/watch-bfbs-reports-c-10.php

This was set up by a long-term friend of ours - thanks Karim (seen above) - from our days in the 'Lion Rampant'. {And you thought I was mad for walking end to end! As you can see I come from a long tradition of barmy people.}

The quality of the BFBS video footage is far better than anything we can produce on our home cine camera, so is worth watching. (Better edited too.)

Posted by Paula, back at HQ

Day 66 - Armour Tear.jpg

I made it to Indian Queens at 1730, where I met up with some family members. During which I noticed another potential disaster, a tear in the other leather shoulder strap to my armour. So tomorrow I will go out without the back and breast in the hope that it will at least last the final Friday as I come in to Lands End.

Thank you for all the positive comments being left on the blogs, they are a real boost.
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Day 66 - A30 to Indian Queens (RAIN).jpg

No sooner had I said goodbye to Colin than the heavens opened. Within a mile of walking I had enough water squelching around in my boots to make a cup of tea with. As I battled with the rain, wind and the drivers on the A30, I found myself on numerous occasions bracing against a wall of water and shouting out "Is that the best you can do" or "Bring it on". Funny how even though the weather is against me my spirit is quite high... the end is in sight after all.
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Day 66 - Jamaica Inn.jpg

Day 66 (21 July) (4 days to go)
Last night I discovered that the trunk of my body is blistering where the wet clothes rub against the back and breast. As you can see from the photo its another wet day so today I'm walking without it in the hopes that my body might recover a bit.

I'm walking to Bodmin for lunch then through to Indian Queens where hopefully I will meet up with some family.
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Day 65 - Jamaica Inn 2.jpg

Days like today just can't get any better than this photo. I'm at a pub, I've met up with friends and there's an anchor here... magic... now, where's my pint.

The A30 has proved rather easy going. Having a storm drain siding has allowed me to keep an eye on the traffic and walk continuously instead of pausing every so often to let a lorry or bus get passed. I was able to cover 11.7 miles in 3 hours 15 minutes. Not bad for the second half of the day.
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Day 65 - Welcome to Cornwall.jpg

Aaaahhhh Look... Cornwall. I've made to it to my final county... and just in time for lunch.
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Day 65 - Setting Out from Bidlake.jpg

Day 65 (20 July) (5 days to go)
This morning we had roll call at 0645 in order for me to be on the road by 0830. Today I am hoping to pass into Cornwall and end up at the Jamaica Inn. At least the weather looks like staying dry, fingers crossed.

Today's walk is 23.4 miles. So I needed the early start. The plan is I will meet up with Colin in Lauceston for lunch, then tackle the A30 this afternoon.

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Day 64 - A30 to Launceston.jpg

Another road picture in case you know the area. This is the road I plan to use tomorrow to get me to the Jamaica Inn after passing through Launceston.

As for today, I stopped for lunch in the Plymouth Inn (Okehampton) then carried on to a small hamlet called Bidlake, about 12 miles from Launceston. All in all I've covered just over my 20 miles for today. By Google Maps I've still got 91 miles to go.

Colin Jefferies, true to his word, caught up with me at 1640 (with a cup of tea ready). So tonight and for the next 4 nights I will be sleeping in a campervan. Plus I have the added advantage now of a support vehicle. This in turn means I can walk without the weight of the snapsack.
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Day 64 - RAIN.jpg

The story of my walking life... Rain. Today it has come in bouts of sometimes heavy downpours and sometimes light drizzle. I find myself more and more trying to hide from the downpours under the nearest tree eating jerked meat provided by Martin Cowley (www.martinsjerkedmeat.com) and Suzies Fruity Strips. Today was Beef 'n' Perrins and Plum 'n' Apple.

Even with the rain progress has been good and steady and I am still on track to reach Okehampton.
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Day 64 - Gerry Burrows.jpg

Day 64 (19 July)(6 days to go)
Last night I made it as far as Copplestone. That leaves me 111 miles to go. As I approached Copplestone I gave Gerry a phone call and to his word he arrived to collect me just as I sat down to wait.

We opened the collection pot for week nine, with a sum of £263.72. in cash and £30 as a cheque. Adding this to the sum already collected now pushes the total to £11,030.75. Well done everyone. With only 1 week to go let's see if we can make it to £12,000.

After getting over the buzz of passing another mile stone Carol called us to diner... Curried King prawn and salmon. It was delicious and was followed by a fruit salad with cream ahhhhh calories, bring em on.

Many thanks to Gerry and Carol for looking after me. I was going to stop with them for a rest day but as I want to make Kelmarsh next Friday I need to walk again today.
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Day 63 - Crediton - Rugby.jpg

Today has been one of traffic dodging but in truth that is what my last week is going to entail as I head down the A30. I've had a few roadside donations even a donation of some obscure Christian booklets.

As I arrived in Crediton I passed this rugby pitch and was wondering if they had problems fielding a full team. Needless to say I'm still slightly ahead of schedule and will push on to Copplestone after I rested here a while. Tomorrow sees the start of 5 days doing 20 miles a day.
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Day 63 - Chris Petticrew - Tiverton Castle.jpg

Day 63 (18 July) (7 days to go)
Yesterday Chris Petticrew (Sealed Knot - James Carr's Rgt of Foote) was kind enough to be my host. I was entertained with chinese food, wine and 2 sci-fi films...Paula take note.

Today Chris walked me through Tiverton via the castle as I set off for Crediton. I'm slowly coming round to the idea that I might actually do this and finish in time for Kelmarsh. Let's hope so.
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Day 62 - East Mere.jpg

I spoke with BFBS again today and recorded an off air interview. Hopefully the troops will get the message that everyone I have met so far have been fully supportive. Keep up the good work.

Given the nature of the weather I decided to just walk for as long as I could. Progress has therefore been great. I managed to reach Uplowman by 1245 leaving just 4 miles to go for the day.

I was also fortunate to be met by Chris Petticrew just before Uplowman who offered to take my snapsack and lighten my load. Rude not to accept really. Mind you it may have effected my map reading skills as I came across this sign.

That said, today's walk was complete by 1510 and all I have to do now is mend my kit. The soldiers coat is starting to shred.
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Day 62 - Jane King @ Wellington.jpg

Day 62 (17 July) (8 days to go)
Time to say goodbye to Geoff and Jane after a most enjoyable stay. I do owe a debt of gratitude to Jane who ferried me around.

It was 0900 by the time I started walking and it had taken 45 minutes to get there down the M5. By the way it was raining. As I made to leave I decided to part company with the straw hat that John Litchfield had given me. Guess what... The heavy rain gave way to light drizzle and then cleared completely. Let's see what tomorrow brings.
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Day 61 - Taunton Canal (swans).jpg

Look everyone, not a pub, not a b&b but wildlife. As I said leaving the road for the canal would be more peaceful. I came across these two swans with six signets. They would have made the navy proud. Just after this photo they manouvered into a perfect line astern.

As I came into Taunton I stopped for lunch. By the time I came to leave the heavens opened again. Rain, rain and more rain to the extent that by the time I reached Wellington I was soaked and my phone has gone on the blink. Hopefully it will right itself as it dries out. It took me 10 minutes just to call Jane and organize a lift.
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Day 61 - Burrow Mump.jpg

Day 61 (16 July)(9 days to go)
Jane dropped me off this morning at 0840 in Other. Having only been able to eat a banana for breakfast I took the opportunity for bacon and sausage sandwich at a roadside cafe... Yum yum.

After which I came across this rather unusual feature. The land surrounding is flat and the church is on a raised mound. The road that this on leads me to the Taunton Canal where I intend to have a more peaceful walk away from traffic.
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Day 60 - North Drain.jpg

Today I am walking along the old salt marshes that have been drained, and just to show you how take a look at this picture of the North Drain. This side of the Mendips is covered in a lattice of drains and ditches just like this one.

As I was walking down towards this picture a car pulled up alongside me and a gentleman said "you're from Horsham aren't you?" Intrigued I said "Yes" and a conversation ensued. It turns out his name is Darren Worsfold and he works with PC Gary Tanner. Small world eh!
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Day 60 - James (Jim) Low.jpg

Day 60 (15 July) (10 days to go)
Yesterday afternoon I arrived at The Bath Arms Hotel in Cheddar. I met Jim, the landlord, and some of the locals. Naturally when asked what I'd like to drink I had to opt for a local cider brew...yummy.

Later in the evening I met up with Geoff and Jane King, who I am stopping with for the next two nights. I didn't need to leave the pub because the food and drink was great.

My thanks to Jim who gave me free board in recognition of the charity I am doing my walk for.

Bath Arms Hotel
Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA
Tel. 01934 742425. www.batharmshotel.co.uk
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Day 59 - Helen Burgess & Ciaran Bailey.jpg

Look, see I told you so. Here's me outside Goughs Cave just after I'd been in and had a good look around. Many thanks go out to the staff who gave me free entry.

I really am quite buzzing at the moment. After having company the past two days and getting to do the tourist thing today I don't really see what can go wrong. Feeling really positive.
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Day 59 - Cheddar Gorge 1.jpg

Just look at this view. I started walking along the top of the Gorge but quickly realized I was going to miss this fantastic viewing opportunity. I spent a fair bit of time talking with tourists to Cheddar that I decided to do a bit of the tourist thing myself.
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Day 59 - Simon Frame - Setting out from Chew Stoke.jpg

Day 59 (14 July) (11 days to go)
A big thanks to Sue and Simon for putting up with me these last two days. I've really enjoyed having the company, its given me just the boost I needed at this stage.

Today I head for Cheddar Gorge and the Bath Arms Hotel. Its only 12 miles away so I should be there nice and early.
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Day 58 - Right to Left - Simon Frame, Sue Chard, Vicky Venn & Me.jpg

We managed to reach Keynsham by 1100 and just as the heavens opened, so we found shelter in a smart coffee shop and waited for the rain to abate.

By Pensford we were ready for lunch and as fate would have it, this pub was open. Being ahead of schedule we had a rather leisurely lunch including a couple of Pear Ciders...yum. As we left we managed to pose for a photo.

By 1430 we were off again. This time the destination was Chew Stoke where Simon's mum and dad would end up meeting us at The Yew Tree Inn and where a very kind landlord gave us a free round of drinks.
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End Date

WOT NO BEER?!


Well, I'm now letting myself get excited at the prospect of Malcolm finishing the walk, and on time to boot. (The stinking cold he picked up last week really left me doubting whether he'd be capable of going out walking each day.)

The plan for Lands End is as follows: He's aiming to arrive at around midday on Friday 24th July. Sometime that week (possibly at Lands End) he'll be meeting up with his Cornish (Newquay) relatives. {Something to look forward to.} Thomas and I will be joining him also.
If anyone would like to meet him there, or walk the final stretch, please comment on this blog entry, or just turn up.

After a little immediate celebration Malcolm'll be heading up to Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire, for English Heritage's 'Festival of History' - AND MORE CELEBRATING! Then rest, aaahhh gentle reesssttt. Oooohhh.

Again, for those who live more 'up country' Malcolm will be round and about at Kelmarsh. {He's the REALLY shabby looking one!} If you'd like to run into him there, come and attend the event.

P.S. If anyone wants to invite Malcolm out for a walk in the near future - I think the answer might be, "NO!"
EXPEDITION HQ (at home)

Day 58 - Setting off from Pucklechurch.jpg

Day 58 (13 July)(12 days to go)

Simon is walking with me again today as we set off from Pucklechurch and aim to pass through my original stop point of the day: Keynsham. I would like to eat into tomorrow's distance because it was going to be 21 miles and over the Mendips.

Having Rob and Simon walk with me yesterday was a great moral boost and gave me just the right start to my last 13 days. Especially as we met a gentleman (Mr Hall) who I might have stopped with had I not already arranged to stay with Simon; he commented on Rob being my dad which gave us great amusement for a while at Rob's expense.

On another side note: please keep adding your comments to the blog as I can read them, unfortunately I can't reply though. They do offer me encouragement especially as I a about to have to dig deep to cover the final stage.

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Day 57 - M4.jpg

Just to bring it into perspective for you, I crossed over the M4 today as I extended my walk past Chipping Sodbury and onto Pucklechurch. Hopefully this will allow me to extend my walk tomorrow so that on Tuesday I will have an easier day in reaching Cheddar. Currently my mileage for Tuesday stands at 21.

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Day 57 - Dave Leahy (Bret Leahy 1st Bttn Rifles).jpg

This photo just goes to show how easy it is to find people who have experienced the tragedy that surrounds conflicts. When Rob, Simon and I arrived at Wickwar we decided to pop into 'The Buthay' for lunch. Whilst there we met Dave Leahy who's son Bret lost his right leg to a roadside IED in Afghanistan when serving with the 1st Battalion Rifles. They plan to walk in a group of 30 strong up Snowdonia in aid of Help for Heroes. It was great to meet you Dave, Good luck.
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Day 57 - Rob Schofield & Simon Frame.jpg

Day 57 (12 July)
Today I am setting out from Dursley with two companions, Rob & Simon, as I progress to Chipping Sodbury.

My stay with Esmé and Colin was extremely relaxing and I feel more at ease with the idea of tackling the final 13 days. Thank you.

Before I forget the total in week 8 money pot was £262.22 raising the total so far to £10,525.03. Well done everyone, but the walk is not over yet so please keep on at work colleagues and family and let's raise that total even higher... Thank you.
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Day 56 - Esmé & Colin Jefferies.jpg

Day 56 (11 July) Rest Day
Meet Lucy's mum and dad Esmé and Colin. They are looking after me on my final rest day.

Colin drove me into Stonehouse where I visited the post office to send my completed maps back to Paula. He then took me to view his campervan which we will be using on the last 5 days of my walk. Not long now. My mood is starting to improve as I am getting to sense closure approaching. Mind you, I'm still suffering from a chest cough which is a little depressing.

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Day 55 - The Whitminster - Claire McGoldrick.jpg

I left Gloucester this morning and I am now well on my way to Dursley. Look another pub, well at least I'm not running out of water and I'm eating enough to keep my strength up. In fact staff at The Whitminster have been very supportive. I was given a free lunch and a bottle of John McGoldrick's Dry Cider which was extremely refreshing.
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Re: Phil Webb's enquiry 'When am I near Dorset?'

This week I continue southwards to Old Chipping Sodbury, then start to curve round south-west towards Crediton (well on the way towards Cornwall - the 'land of my fathers').

Day 55/56 - Tewkesbury Medieval Festival 11/12 July

I've had a number of enquiries this week about whether I'll be in Tewkesbury for this event. Unfortunately I've passed through already.

When I started re-enacting some 20 odd years ago I was a member of the Lion Rampant - see us posing above - (http://www.lionrampant.uk.com/). We've stayed in touch ever since and a number of friends will therefore be there.

"Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is Europe's largest free annual medieval battle re-enactment and fayre." And is well worth a visit. Go to http://www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/ for more details.

Day 54 - The New Inn - Gloucester 2.jpg

The New Inn - Gloucester, my stay here is being funded by Lucy and her fellow SK reenactors www.thesealedknot.org.uk. Thank you, it is a lovely venue.

My sore throat has got to the point where after I booked in at The New Inn I went to a walk-in doctors clinic to see if they could give me something to help shift it. Apparently its not reached my chest yet so I can't get any antibiotics, instead I've been advised plenty of rest and Ibuprofen. The Ibuprofen I can do, the rest... well we'll see.

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Day 54 - Lucy Jefferies, Kat Atkins (SK SMG James Carr's Rgt of Foote).jpg

On my travels today I passed a gypsy camp of 6 good old fashioned gypsy wagons. They must have had a dozen horses or so. I spent a little time talking with some of them and they were truly nice people, just happy traveling along minding their own business and very friendly.

I arrived in Gloucester at 1400 and was met by Lucy and Kat of James Carr's Rgt of Foot: www.smgjamescarr.org.uk (Sealed Knot). As you can see, both were dressed in period clothing. We got some strange looks as we walked through the city to the docks but Hey its been a long time since I worried about that.

At the docks we posed for the photo then went for a coffee where we sat outside and talked awhile.

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Day 54 - Jane Baalam (Throckmorton).jpg

Last night Jane and Nick took me to the Nottingham Arms for a meal where I met other members of a medieval group known as 'Throckmorton', who are very friendly and full of life. Thanks for great night folks.

Jane and Nick Baalam have been very supportive and have made me very welcome into their home. Thank you.

Yet again I am humbled at the way people have taken me in, dried my kit, mended my kit, fed me, watered me, and provided a bed for the night.

Today I walk to Gloucester where I will meet up with Lucy Jefferies of the Sealed Knot.

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Day 53 - Tewkesbury Abbey.jpg

Day 53 (08 July)

I'm really quite glad I've moved my route to the A38 because -you guessed it - it's raining! If I was on the river front I may well have been in trouble.

Anyway, Jane dropped me off in Kempsey and I had a fairly uneventful walk into Tewkesbury. Unless of course you count the utter downpour. There is a trend here isn't there: me, walking, rain. Top Tip: don't walk with me. ;-) Mind you I did get to hide from the rain for a short while when I passed a roadside cafe. They invited me into the van during a burst of rain, thanks folks.

I arrived at Tewkesbury at 1415 and had a quick drink in Ye Olde Black Bear. I then walked down to the Abbey and had a look around. It is beautiful and just makes you feel humble. I took a few photos and hopefully Paula will put them on Flicker for you. Really you need to visit for yourself. I took the opportunity to light a candle for my mum and Paula's... emotional.

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Day 52 - Graham Evans.jpg

As I left Worcester along the Severn Way I met Lock Keeper Graham Evans. It only turns out that he is the brother-in-law of Julia Timmins, who I stopped with last weekend. Coincidence or what?

As I continued down the Severn the rain came down again. Unfortunately I lost my footing due to the wet and went crashing down. Part of the pathway is closed due to subsidence. "Err should I really be trying this? If I fall in I won't be getting out.... I know the answer: I'm playing it safe and heading for the A38," where Jane Baalam will pick me up at Kempsey.

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Day 52 - BFBS - Mark Hearn, Rosie Laydon, Karim Kronfli.jpg

Today was a wonderful boost for my morale. I was met by an old friend Karim and BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) with a wooden goblet and a bottle of champagne to celebrate reaching the £10,000 mark.

We did a bit of filming, an interview and lunch. It was quite relaxed and good humored. Let's hope it will generate more interest. I was at least able to say how much support there is out there for the armed services.

Now here's the thing. Last night I discovered my mileage mistake. I was going from one map to another and hadn't noticed my start point today was on both maps. So instead of 13 miles today my route is now just 8 miles, so I intend to push on and drive down a little of tomorrows walk.

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