My legs are sore from yesterday’s long riverbank trek, and I’m following the other side of the River Parrett today, so the hiking poles are back. It’s damp and grey, but a rainbow cheerfully points the way. Actually, it guides me to Greggs, for a morning pastry and coffee.
The path is better maintained on this side of the river. There are hundreds of birds, sweeping up and down the river, with the Quantock Hills in the background. It’s more enjoyable than I expected. I pass no-beer-here Combwich, as the church bells ring out.
The gate over the sluice at Huntspill River is padlocked, so I climb over, making a note to follow up with Somerset Council.
The sun appears for a gorgeous beach stroll, from Burnham-on-Sea to Brean. The striking Low Lighthouse, “the lighthouse on legs”, built in 1832, is still operational.
The wind picks up, and I shield my eyes from the sand, to head off the beach, and catch a bus to Weston-super-Mare, where I’m staying for the night.
The night is young, so I check out the CAMRA recommended Bear Inn. A real locals pub; everyone who walks in seems to know everyone else. Dogs, musicians, and barrels of beer rolled through the front door. The first three songs playing are: “While my guitar gently weeps”, “Ballroom blitz”, and “Don’t fear the reaper”. My sort of place. I have an easy day tomorrow, so settle in to sample all three ales: Otter Ale, Somerset Soul, and Otter Bright. All I need now is live music.
Walk distance: 18 miles.
Total distance: 1,069 miles.