Day 30 -- Hay-on-Wye to Kington 15 miles

River Wye from Hay

Where am I now? I thought I would be in Wales the rest of this week, but the route out of Hay-on-Wye crossed the Wye River, placing me back in England. The route passes back and forth over the border so many times, that it’s hard to keep track. I have it on good advice that tonight I’m in England. But tomorrow there will be at least three more border crossings before I end up in Knighton, which I believe is in Wales. All the border crossings make me feel like a fugitive from justice.

Hay (as the locals refer to it) must be the used bookseller capital of the world, with perhaps more used book stores than anywhere. Being somewhat of a bookaholic, I was tempted to explore the bookstores, but was deterred by the realization that I had to either carry or ship any purchases, neither of which was practical. So instead, I went to a pub.

Welsh (or English) lambs

The walk today was in pleasant weather, first along the Wye River, then moving into farm fields, pastures, woods, and onto high, grassy hills, with a small village and a church thrown in from time to time. There was nothing dramatic – only a lovely walk on a lovely day.

Charles and Chris

Charles and Chris, walking the Offa’s Dyke Path, were the first walkers I encountered on the trail today.

Richard and Alison

Later came Richard and Alison, father and daughter.

Ben

When I stopped at a pub in Gladestry for a bowl of soup, I saw Ben, with whom I had breakfast at the B&B in Hay. Ben is a professor of African studies at a university near London, and is walking ODP this week between sessions. He and I walked the final four miles to Kington together, sharing stories and generally enjoying the day. He heads back home tomorrow after walking to Knighton, so we had dinner together before wishing each other well.

Would you cross this stile?

© 2011 Ken Klug