Windsor to Chertsey. 12.0 miles (19.5km)

Oh dear! another hot day forecast,  with the chance of heavy rain and lightning later. We lingered over breakfast, and as usual, were striding off, back on trail, later than intended and far too late. This baggage company malarky and breakfasts each morning is all well and good, but it doesn’t make for early starts.

Another good section with lots of tree shaded riverside paths. All good underfoot, but I would hate to walk this way after heavy rain or flooding. A short bit of road walking took us into and out of Datchet. We paused for a hydration stop at a small bankside park. A threesome family walked down to the riverside, but promptly retreated, shrieking about the liberally besplattered goose shit everywhere. Our roadside walk eventually returned us to the river.  Just in time to reach the Albert Bridge where we battled through face high nettles, to cross the bridge to the other side, and easier walking all the way to Old Windsor Lock.

The highlight of the day, well it was for me, was walking through Runnymede. The place where the barons met, and forced the King to give up powers. Liberating us all from the power of absolute monarchy. This was the basis from which national constitutions were formed worldwide.

So, how should we, as a nation, mark such an auspicious event. Mrs Three Points of the Compass and I popped into the National Trust cafe at one end of the field for lunch. We tried to ignore the other end of the field, with its immense carpark, fish and chips and ice cream vans. Not surprising that the US had placed their own memorial away from such commercialism, on a hill overlooking the Thames and its momentous meadow.

A couple of drops of rain fell as we reached Staines, no more, it didn’t even dampen the ground, the humidity rose a tad, the temperature continued to rise, the miles fell slow. It was hard to appreciate the trail as it became a necessity rather than enjoyment. Even the grass was turning dry and brown.

Our accommodation tonight is The Bridge in Chertsey. Another short walk from the trail. It is a Youngs place so I had been hoping for at least one of their better ales to be on tap on arrival. I was not disappointed.

We had already booked a table to eat in their restaurant at 19.45 so after a couple of cooling down pints, we booked in and had plenty of time to get cleaned, rested and ready beforehand. Yet again I took the opportunity to wash skiddies but the windows don’t open in our room so stopped with those. Mrs Three Points of the Compass had assured me prior to leaving for this trail that she was doing no such thing- “I’m on holiday”. And in truth, she is correct as our large suitcases continue to turn up each night without fail and were well stocked with spare clothing. This baggage company experience truly is far removed from my normal type of long distance backpacking, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t have to enjoy it.

Out for a couple of beers, large Tempranillo, steak for me, burger for she who has earned it. Notes written, following day planned, to bed…

The Thames Path- National Trail

• The Thames Path
• The Thames Path: Kemble to Cricklade
• The Thames Path: Cricklade to Lechlade
• The Thames Path: Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge
• The Thames Path: Tadpole Bridge to Bablock Hythe
• The Thames Path: Bablock Hythe to Osney Bridge, Oxford
• The Thames Path: Osney Bridge, Oxford to Abingdon
• The Thames Path: Abingdon to Shillingford/Warborough
• The Thames Path: Shillingford/Warborough to Goring
• The Thames Path: Goring to Sonning
• The Thames Path: Sonning to Marlow
• The Thames Path: Marlow to Windsor
• The Thames Path: Windsor to Chertsey
• The Thames Path: Chertsey to Hampton Wick/Kingston-on-Thames
• The Thames Path: Hampton Wick/Kingston-on-Thames to Putney
• The Thames Path: Putney to Tower Bridge
• The Thames Path: Tower Bridge to Woolwich Foot Tunnel