13 October 2025 (cloudy and cool with morning fog 13C) 27km

By 6.30am we were awake. Made a cuppa and with the sun not up for another hour, we sat in bed writing and reading.  Did a workout and watched the Trump circus in Gaza claiming that the war is over. War in the middle east will never be over.

Outside the rain had fallen during the night. It appears to have been just light drizzle, but we're hoping that's it for the day. Don't mind the cold, as long as the rain holds off.

Browsing through famous people from Shrewsbury, the former member of parliament, Michael Heseltine, Monty Python member, Michael Palin and probably most famous, Charles Darwin (although, just to keep the theme going, let's call him Michael.)

At 11.45am we finally pushed the bikes out of the Travelodge to begin our day. Not as cold as yesterday so I decided to dust off the shorts.  After negotiating a main road roundabout, we were soon riding the quiet lanes once again.

This morning we found that there were blackberries along one particular lane and they were delicious.

We found today that the small amount of traffic we did encounter, were extremely courteous, allowing us the right of way, slowing down when following us. If that had been Albania, it would have been a whole different story.

We had plenty of time today after doing the extra kms last night so when we arrived in the small village of Upton Magna, we stopped for a look at the church. The first church was founded there in 1049 AD, and the current church was started in the 15th century. Had a wander through the church and grounds before cycling on.

Not too far away, as we were taking some photos, a cyclist pulled up and asked where we were headed. He was amazed to hear where we had travelled and asked if he could get a photograph for his cycling group. We charged him the going rate of course.

As a cyclist from Shropshire, he cycles these roads everyday and when he asked where my favourite place to cycle would be, he was astounded when I said England.

But to be able to ride these small country lanes, used only by local folk and not the masses, is so peaceful and takes me back to the days when I would read stories of cycle tourers in the 50's and 60's. (Julia said her favourite country on this trip was probably Switzerland).

The sky was threatening rain, but it never appeared. At 2.15pm we pulled into a Morrisons supermarket. Here we found a cafe attached and bought some lunch. Great cafe and the lady serving us was lovely, really friendly, lots of smiles and informative. Thought back to supermarket staff in the Balkans and the difference in attitude.

Shopped for some food, before heading onwards to see our niece where we'll be staying the night. Just before our destination, we climbed the biggest hill we've had in England so far.  In comparison to what we've done on this tour, it didn't even register, but after two weeks of flat riding, I was feeling it.

Even though England was not in the original plan, we have really enjoyed this added addition. It has been so lovely catching up with the relatives and spending time in their cosy homes, especially as the temperatures here are decidedly cool.

We got thoroughly spoiled with a delicious dinner and dessert of rhubarb crumble and custard to finish off.  By 9.30am I was feeling very tired and we hit the sack. I think my eyes were closed before my head hit the pillow.