Bridge Sollers to Bredwardine

Our taxi picked us up with our luggage this morning at 9:30am to take us back to the church at Bridge Sollers so we could begin today walk. Our luggage went on ahead to await our arrival this afternoon at Bredwardine. We continued to walk on the Roman road to Byford church. A Red Kite flew overhead as we walked. These birds were nearly wiped out in the 1930's because of extensive hunting but are now protected.

The Byford church has some interesting paintings on the walls which were uncovered in 1951. This church was very light and airy inside.

This church has an unusal ceiling with timber slats and tiles.

As we left the church Graham and Ammie lifted up their eyes

to see a beautiful cloud formation above the church

Allan wondered if it was because we had been in the church...

This is a very old church!

We reached an impasse. There was no way through but Graham found a way via a field.

We pressed on through more puddles, apple orchards and scenic countryside.

And then the Wye reappeared

St Mary's of Monnington on Wye was our second church today. A fitting way to spend Sunday and Mother's Day. This church is an unusual church, as it has no road access and is surrounded by water on three sides. It is still lit by oil lamps as there is no electricity connection.

A fitting morning tea stop; nice to have seats to rest on.

The lychgate in the grounds of the church. I'd love one of these in our backyard.

We could hear something screeching and as we walked past the house next to the church this is what we saw, a white peacock.

Next we walked along a mile-long avenue of Scots pine and yew trees planted in 1623 by James Tomkins of Monnington Court to celebrate his election as a Member of Parliament for Leominster. Its unlikely that any of the original trees other than some of the yews survive, although one or two of the pines are of considerable age. The present owners continue to replace any that die. (Sorry about the sideways photo. Don't know how to fix it!)

We noticed this headstone over the grave of 'Springervale Pecora'. 1971-1996. Great show horse. Lifter of spirit.

This is Brobury Scar, where the river has cut deep into the sandstone to create a cliff-like bluff. We were high above the water.

More country lanes and extreme effort to take photos of the countryside

resulted in another beautiful scene. They just keep rolling on.

Afternoon tea was taken in these gardens. They weren't mentioned in our guide book but the thought of a hot cup of tea was too difficult to resist.

Bredwardine Bridge and then a short walk and we were at The Red Lion in Bredwardine, our accomodation for the night.

12.05 long but beautiful kilometres.