Log No 194. Sat 30th Nov 2013 - Neston to Connah's Quay, 7 miles (3002 miles walked)

The wind had died away overnight and the morning was bright and clear although the sun wasn't up yet.

I left the camper at 07.40 and picked up the footpath, which turned out to be a cycleway, from Neston.

The route went by an Army firing range so I had expected to have to take a longer way round but Sustrans had developed a new route adjacent to the range which saved me 2 miles. A signpost by the cycleway was the only indication that I was now in Wales.

The route followed the railway line under the A548 then through an industrial estate before getting back to the railway line.

I crossed the River Dee on the railway bridge then followed the line again right to Shotton Station in Connah's Quay.

With only having to walk 7 miles I was able to catch an earlier train back to Neston.

Where I am just now is as close to Withernsea and my parents as it could be so I was taking the opportunity to go over there for a few days to see them.

Apart from a few miles at either end it was pretty much all motorways and all was going well until my fan belt snapped, luckily I wasn't far from some services so I am now waiting for my "Roadside Assistance/Recovery".

At least it is giving me time to write up the log.

It took nearly 2 hours for the recovery vehicle to arrive, he was unable to put a new fan belt on himself so he had to tow me.
He could only go as far as the next services so another company was to pick me up from there.

I was waiting nearly another hour for this chap. They had organised for 6 different fan belts to be ready for us at their depot in Leeds.
Of course non of the 6 were the right size so the mechanic had to chase up some more.

He eventually got one to fit, it was now 19.00, over 7 hours since my call to Green Flag, fortunately my parents weren't expecting me until 22.00 and I got to them with half an hour to spare.

It was a good thing I had plenty of time in hand today and the tows and repair didn't cost me anything.


I expect to be walking again on Wednesday.