2013 7th July 2013 - Angela's walk
Sun Jul 7 2013 Gret Wether in Summer HEATWAVE!
Angela was inspired with her title for the walk - it was very apt. Although 27 degrees is modest compared with recent temperatures of 56 in the USA; by British standards, especially after such a long, soggy spell, it was positively hot. I had prepared well, dug out my shorts, after 2 years, worn a long sleeve top in case of flies and sunburn and packed more liquid than usual. My secret weapon was my parasol (umbrella) to protect me from the worst heat - I know I am more of a cold weather walker. A party of 23 started, with John from South Wales LDWA arriving just in time. From Silbury Hill we set off through Avebury, almost blocking the vicar in her car, and set off eastwards. We discussed Andy Murray's prospects in the Wimbledon final, Chris Froome and the Tour de France and how the sarsen stones had arrived on the plains - was it through glaciers? We walked on Grey Wethers and dropped down to Lockeridge for a very welcome lunch stop and pint at the "Who'd 'a' Thought It." From here Adrian and Sheila returned to Silbury Hill and home to watch Andy Murray. It was getting hotter but after lunch the walk through West Wood gave us some respite. We climbed up and along the Ridgeway. Occasional clouds relieved the heat of the sun, but any breezes were hot. We passed a White Horse and took a long northerly descent back, with the sight of Silbury Hill in the distance. "It's too hot to walk and talk", said Jenny and I agreed as we continued the long walk back. We arrived at 5pm after 20 and a half miles. On the return to Bristol, I could only think of ice cream, a pot of tea and a cool bath.
Bruce Young