Wednesday 14th June, Wallingford to White Marks Glamping, Watlington 17.2kms

Before I start today's blog we need some help with trail etiquette. Yesterday we were walking on the trail beside the river, as you do, I saw a t-shirtless largish man in his 50s or 60s sitting by the river, as I got closer I realised two things, one he was naked and two the lady of similar age and size beside him was naked too. Should we say hello, great morning etc as normal when walking and hope they don't turn round or heaven forbid stand up, or should we slip past?? Liz said a breezy good morning, and I slipped by. Send us your thoughts and IF you can answer why they were there that would be great.

We didn't wake up dead and cooked so it was a good start, the temperature had dropped but we didn't sleep well. We did everything as planned, Costa for breakfast, Greggs for iced buns, Waitrose for lunch and Boots for plasters. We left Wallingford on the opposite side of the river and headed back to the trail.

The morning's walk was great as the track was in a narrow strip of trees that meant we had shade most of the way. We met a few day walkers and a lady lopping branches and clearing the track. It was a bit stinging nettley in places so we thanked her profusely. Our 2nd breakfast of an iced bun was lovely.

We called in the MakerSpace which is a creative arts centre with a coffee shop and had a smoothie, lots of points for being healthy. A couple of employees there follow Liz on Instagram and knew about our walk, we felt like mini celebraties.

Then we crossed some huge fields, I think they might have been growing broadbeans maybe, as you know I know nothing about gardening so it could have been anything. Huge and open fields so very hot. We met a couple of walkers who, a few days at a time, had walked on long distance paths from Norfolk, impressive! We stopped near an enormous property whose name I forget for lunch. We thought it might be National Trust but google says it is for sale for 18.7 million. The walkers from yesterday passed us again so we had a chat and then we walked on.

Liz's blisters have been sore and walking in flat, thin sneakers is taking its toll on calf muscles and her feet. We keep Googling for better solutions.

We made it to the Glamping site, we're not so sure about the Glamping business. Yes we have a bell tent which we paid a lot for, it ties with the most expensive room we have stayed in for cost, the showers are 300 metres away so imagine that with sore feet, there is no kettle, nor tea bags or coffee or biscuits. It is supposed to be self catering but there are no bowls and only one spoon. No electricity which we expected but you are not allowed to charge your phone at the toilets (it will be removed) you have to hand it over and pay a pound for it to be charged!! It feels like they are having a laugh. On the plus side if you can walk to the showers they are clean, hot and fully functioning.

Due to the previously mentioned feet issues we got an Indian takeaway delivered from Watlington with beer and suddenly the world looked a better place.

We are the only people glamping so it is very peaceful with just birds to listen to and red kites and bunnies to watch.

Am going to try adding the photos in a different post, several got deleted yesterday.