Day 56 Pandy to Hay on Wye (15.6 miles, cumulative 944.3)

Today's challenge was a weather dilemma. The forecast was heavy rain in the morning, then thunderstorms in mid afternoon. I decided to suffer the rain to try to avoid the thunder.

It was raining as I left, but it soon abated. The initial section involved a steep climb to the Hatterrall ridge and I was pleased to reach the first trig point in less than an hour. Despite the forecast, the sun appeared and I enjoyed scenic views. The ridge is about ten miles long and rises gently, but the physical effort for the day was largely done. 

I caught up with two social workers, Ian and Ben, who were escaping the pressures of work for a few days, and walked with them for an hour or so. We went our separate ways and shortly afterwards I met up with my sister Wendy and husband Chris plus Dixie their dog - our scheduled meet coincided with the start of the thunder and the threat of lightning. The heavens opened and we were soon quite wet, but quickly found a farmhouse barn to shelter under.

After the descent, I headed for my B&B near Hay on Wye, they walked on to their motor home at a nearby campsite. After drying out, we met later in the evening for a most enjoyable dinner at a local hostelry.