Day 57 Hay on Wye to Kington (15.7 miles, cumulative 960.0)

I left my first class B&B and headed to the nearby campsite where Chris and Wendy were staying in their motorhome for a quick coffee. I then rejoined the Offa's Dyke footpath as it followed the River Wye, then gradually ascended through woodland, over fields, and along narrow country lanes.

The promised rain arrived late, so with its arrival I stopped for a drink at a pub in Gladestry until it cleared. The long ascent of Hergest ridge coincided with a rapid deterioration in the weather. Storm clouds gathered around the horizon and, just as I reached the most exposed section of the ridge, thunder and lightning drew ever nearer. Thunder then immediately followed the lightning - a close shave. Heavy rain cannoned off the backs of my legs and rucksack, while the broad, grass ridge path was sodden. It was a relief to descend and finally reach Kington. The sun then had the audacity to appear!

After the weather drama, it was a pleasure to meet for dinner with Brian and his wife Pat. Brian is Chair of the Land's End John O' Groats Association and has been very supportive of my walk.

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