As yesterday, our walk was not difficult, but it became warmer as the day progressed, not ideal for walking! We left Wroxall the way we entered, across fields and then through muddy bridle paths until we rejoined the Heart of England Way, which is well sign-posted and easy walking. We walked mainly through farmland, across fields of sheep and around (and sometimes through) fields of crops.

Towards the end of our walk to Meriden we crossed the HS2 works, and then passed quarries until we gratefully walked up through fields to Strawberry Bank Inn. As there had been no watering holes on our route, we welcomed a long drink and a hot bath before dinner. Incidentally, situated midway between Birmingham and Coventry, Meriden was always considered the geographical centre of England until recently, when this was disproved!

A Backward Glance:

Another warm walk, among fields, farms and small villages. Some teenagers crossed our path on a couple of occasions, not looking too happy with their very heavy looking back packs (probably ‘Duke of Edinburgh Award’ candidates). Then saw a young lad of about five out with his parents and grandparents showing the way using an App on a mobile phone he was holding and shouting his instructions to everyone behind trying to keep up with him. Seems to me walking adventures are best enjoyed by the very young and the very old, who probably share similar uncluttered outlooks on life. So our son Adam and his partner Charlie, who are on a walking holiday in Ireland at the moment, trekking over the country’s highest peaks with friends, are either not grown up yet or very old for their years. I think I know which. Towards the end of our walk I saw evidence of how some land owners want to make walkers across their fields feel as unwelcome as possible. Most are generous in the accommodation they make but a few feel they are clearly at war with us. Walking across England is like a tapestry of life in this country with its ups and downs, miles of smiles and occasional frowns.