Pandy to Hay-on-Wye
The landlord at The Pandy Inn told us not to follow the Offa's Dyke trail at the start but instead he showed us a slight shortcut. I'm not one for shortcuts normally but I was dreading today and cutting the rout short by half a mile was good news in my book today. "Down the road, straight through the stone pillars into the field and head towards the house. Go down by the house on the road, at the T junction turn right and you're back on the trail". Sounded simple. It was simple but within 50 yards of walking in the field I was covered in what can only be called slurry. It goes to show that cheats never prosper!
The trail today had a really steep first few miles taking us up to around 2000 ft followed but about 10 miles of gradual climb (up to about 2800 ft). It was a cloudy day but the weather was stunning and at low level you could see for mile upon mile. It's a popular path and we stopped a few times for a chat with strangers. One couple lived a few hundred yards from where I used to live in Wimbledon. Small world!
It's an easy enough walk from Pandy to Hay-on-Wye and the views will have you snapping away for ages. None of your pictures will do it just. Majestic and beautiful.
Down to Hay-on-Wye and we realised immediately this is an interesting place. Quirky shops are in abundance and everyone is cordial and accommodating. It's a lovely place steeped in history which you should definitely visit. We got a room at The Bear B&B. The landlord was really friendly and pointed out some choice places to eat. We plumped for the nearest place as our legs we beyond weary - The Black Lion. I'm going to stick my neck out and say the food here is probably some of the best you'll ever taste. This was fine dining on a budget and the staff were fantastic. 5 stars all the way.
My hiking buddy and I have to make a decision as the next few days look like heavy rain all day. Hiking is fun but we're both suffering colds and we're not convinced getting wet and cold for hours on end is going to help. We will see what happens but no matter what we decide I definitely want to complete the Offa's Dyke trail some day.
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