Fri 14th May - Day 28, Newcastle to Buttington (20 miles)

I crawled out of the tent at 06:00 to find the sun shining, but it took one look at me & went away!

Leaving at 07:00 it was downhill to cross the River Clun just east of Newcastle then up again, a repeat of yesterday, following the Dyke as it crossed hill & vale for another 20 miles to end up just north of Welshpool.

I met one hiker today who was walking along studying his handheld GPS, it might have looked impressive but it was along a section of road!

Even though it hasn't been raining during the day my gaitors are essential wear as the long grass is wet in the morning & the ground is boggy, I need all the help I can get to try to keep my feet dry as my 'waterproof' boots don't keep the water out.

After lunch the Way came by Forden along the B4388 then on a short section up a steep minor road before getting onto the footpath, a mile through a forest then up a final climb to Beacon Ring, a hillfort crowning Long Mountain.

The final 2 miles was downhill to finish the day at 17:15 at Buttington, a mile north-west of Welshpool, and the campsite at the Green Dragon Public House.

Sandra & I backpacked Offa's Dyke 28 years ago but so far I haven't been able to say 'I remember being here before'.

454 miles completed.