Leaving Rugeley, we walked along the Trent and Mersey Canal, before joining the Staffordshire Way. Again, the walk was well signposted all the way to Uttoxeter. We stopped for elevenses on a bench overlooking a pond in the small village of Colton – quite idyllic! We then continued along paths and lanes to Abbotts Barton where we found a pub serving lunch.

The second half of our journey was through fields, more pasture than arable. I confess to being fearful when crossing fields of cattle (especially since a farmer’s wife warned us recently that young cattle can be unpredictable and to take care!). Today there were a number of such fields to cross, and it was with fear and trepidation, especially when young heifers become curious and move across the field in our direction. But we survived!

The other downside today was the fact that there were more stiles than on any other day so far, some falling apart, or hidden in the hedgerow. I have never been athletic, and at my age crossing stiles is no easy feat, especially with a large rucksack! But that apart, it was a lovely sunny and enjoyable walk.

A Backward Glance

Weather forecast for today was sunny with light breeze. Ideal day for hanging washing out I thought, so no better time to introduce project ‘dry pants’. Chose the smelliest out of three, then by ‘stains’ for the decider. Washed the offensive object using the minimalist soap ration provided by Travel Lodge, rinsed then squeezed and hitched the soggy bright blue unmistakeables to the bottom belt of my back pack. Left Rugeley with them waving like a flag from my swinging derrière and it only took six miles before they were bone dry, smelling of fresh cut grass and buttercups and Carol didn’t even notice once. We spent more time today stopping for breaks, once on a seat by a village pond owned by two ducks and another time in a large field with a herd of cows in the furthest corner, who on spotting us wanted to know what I was munching on in their neck of the woods. Bovine eyesight must be incredible; cows love sweets by all accounts and especially fruit pastilles it seems. They gave us the look as we left that said “we know what you’ve got in your pocket”. (It’s strange how cows ignite Carol’s affection towards me though). A very pleasant walk today: fields, parks, woods and farms punctuated by small clusters of rural habitat.