Thu 6th May - Day 20, Wookey Hole to Bristol (20 miles)

The day was dry but overcast as I left at 07:40, I picked up The Monarchs Way path out of Wookey Hole ok & it does appear to be used, the rain clouds seem to be behind me - it is a promising start.

The route is an interesting mix of farmland and woodland using footpaths for the most part with short sections of minor road. Some of the way markers are easily missed as the small round symbols seem to have been put on any convenient post.

I had made sandwiches before I left this morning but decided I would have a full dinner in the only pub in Compton Martin.

I was the only person in the place and while I was looking at the menu asked the lanlady if she could put my phone on charge while I ate I left, she said she couldn't do that so I politely told her I would not be bothering to have a meal here, and left.

Just outside the village I stopped at a suitable style to eat my sandwiches.

The sun came out after my lunch but with the odd rain shower as I continued following the Monarchs Way.

At Winford I stayed on the road to Dundry where I spoke to a cyclist, the nearest person to a walker I have met since I left Minehead, the showers were more constant now and I debated whether to stick to the footpaths or take the roads into Bristol.

I opted for the paths but this wasn't so easy as some had been re-routed and others were very boggy.

The showers had stopped by 17:30 and the sun was out as I got to the campsite near Ashton Gate at 18:45. This was just on the outskirts of Bristol by the River Avon and the A4.

It had been another long day, 20 miles, but more interesting, even if I do only talk to cows.

I have had a painful swelling on the outside of my left leg, just above the ankle, for 2 days. It may be from when I slipped & fell on a descent near Ilfracombe, anyway I WILL have an easier day tomorrow

Thanks for all the emails from friends, family & wellwishers, I look forward to hearing them when I am lying in my sleeping bag in the evening.

328 miles completed.