LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

56 miles to 66 miles. I cycled in warm sunshine from the car park along Ridgebourne Road, on Hergest Ridge and opposite Hergest Croft Gardens to Catworthy Court. I stopped at the phone box in Lower Hergest and explained to Sylvia that as the threat of rain hadn't materialised, I would walk the whole 10 miles as planned. I cycled along lanes which represented the border between England and Wales. An unexpected diversion arose during the cycle ride because part of the planned route in practice was a green road with fences and locked gates. I asked a cottage owner for permission to leave my bike against a wall in his garden. There were large open fields around Little Mountain. A sign diverted the Path onto a lane at Gilfach-yr-heol. From Newtown there was a steep ascent. I followed the top of the ridge to a defined track near the gate at Hill House. RAIN!! There was evidence of a tramp living in a hedge near Stone House. Another steep ascent onto Hergest Ridge. As I was wet through I changed in the car..

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: at Catworth Court Finish: Kington

Care is required to locate stiles in fields near the start. Take start of lane down steep slope at Gilfach-yr-heol. There's no path at the top of Disgwylfa.