We were delighted that friends and neighbours were there to wave us off on the start of our long walk. It was a beautiful morning, blue skies and a refreshing and not-too-strong westerly breeze.
We headed due west along the paths we have walked so many times, through West Hendred and Ardington, and on to Wantage along the Icknield Way. Some medieval writers thought that the Icknield Way was a Roman road from Southampton to St Davids, which is a pleasing thought as St Davids is our final destination, but doesn’t tie in with the more accepted route down through Cambs, Herts, Bucks, Oxon and Wiltshire.
In Wantage, the Big Issue lady was delighted to see us again. Then after tea and tea cake at the museum, we walked up through Letcombe and onto the Ridgeway, probably the oldest of the old westward tracks on the chalk ridge, along which the drovers brought the sheep and cattle from Wales and the south-west. Lovely views northwards, and as we reached the ancient hill fort at Uffington, and glimpsed the White Horse cut into the chalk, we could see westwards too, over the vale where we will be walking for the next couple of days.
14.3 miles so far.
Home From Home 
So glad you had a good group of friends to cheer you on as you set off on your adventure. I love that you had a stop at the museum café! This post has made me miss Hendred for the first time since you moved.
I love the new porch at GC, what a good idea! xxx
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