A very stressful GTSF this year- nothing worked, the loos, showers, scanners, internet all crashing and making it hard to do a good job stewarding. Wendy and Steve were there, and I'd have preferred to spend time with them. Not sure if I will steward next year.
Then - further South, with the intention of seeing Stereophonics in Cardiff a week later.
Monday
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| Ludlow market |
First stop, Ludlow, a pretty town. Stocked up at independent shops - lamb chops and deli goods. The church had some great quirks - including miserichords.
The countryside around is MUCH hillier than I expected, although in retrospect maybe the phrase 'Shropshire Hills' should have been a clue. Lots of things to see and do that I didn't have time for, or couldn't face in the heat - over 30deg again.
On to a CL, Marsh House Farm, which was lovely.
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| World's most highbrow campsite library? |
Tuesday
Next day I got the bus in to Hereford from just outside the site. My main aim was to finally see the Mappa Mundi, which had been on my to-do list for years. The whole cathedral was gorgeous, I spent a couple of hours in there - so much to see and wonder at. The Mappa Mundi didn't disappoint, and the Chained library was also impressive. (I managed not to say 'Ook' too loudly). Good lunch and a mooch around in the narrow streets around the cathedral. Then a flippin' nightmare trying to find the bus back - turns out there are TWO bus stations in Hereford....
Wednesday
First stop was a beautiful little church, St Mary's, Kempley. It was down some very narrow lanes, and a bit tricky to find - but wow it was worth it. Fantastic murals inside and a lovely old building.
Less than 10 miles away was my next stop on a VERY hot day - Goodrich Castle. Again, much more than I expected. I have been driving past the little brown sign pointing to it for over 40 years probably. Finally, I stopped there. A good wander round, and looked at the views over the Wye valley, before a quick lunch (ice cream). I will go back when it is cooler I think.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/goodrich-castle/
My next campsite was in Monmouth, right on the street where Dyfan and Anita live. Had a wonderful couple of evenings catching up and eating good food (a nice change after 6 days cooking in the van!). During the day I took a bus to Chepstow, a town perched steeply on the banks of the Severn. Well worth getting the bus so I could look at the view. I duly visited the museum, looked at the (outside of) the castle, had a pub lunch and peered in to the murky brown river at the bottom of the hill.
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| The 5 Alls - fight for all, pray for all, rule for all, plead for all - and finally pay for all! |
Oh - and I didn't bother going to see Stereophonics! After such a lovely few days in the peaceful countryside, I couldn't face a city stadium in 34 degree heat. Ah well.
