Shortly after returning from Nepal and a day after the first earthquake, a group of us met at Kinsley Wood just a short distance from the lovely market town of Knighton on the Shropshire/Welsh border. It was a gloriously sunny day, perfect for a walk in unspoilt countryside. There were ten of us in total.

Looking down into the Teme Valley

April had been a particularly dry month and the trail was in excellent condition. Areas that had been wet when I walked the route a few weeks earlier were now completely dry. Whether it was the better underfoot conditions or the fact that I had just returned from a fairly strenuous trek in Nepal, I found it a lot easier this second time around. Comments were made by some with me that they could tell I had been out in the hills for a sustained period.

Climbing to the top of Stowe Hill provided us with far reaching views over the rolling countryside but the best views were to come later when we reached Offa’s Dyke and were able to look down on the Teme Valley.

Resting on Cwm-sanaham Hill

It was a perfect combination of terrain, with some open hillsides, reasonable climbs, pastureland and forest, all the time providing variety and interest. On the return leg of the walk we climbed to high point of Cwm-sanaham Hill, resting there to take in the view and to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine. It really was a glorious day.

Having completed the 12 miles we adjourned to the Lion Inn in Lientwardine that has an excellent range of beers and, by the looks of it, an excellent menu, although we did not try the food. On such a nice day it was a pleasure to sit in the garden adjacent to the River Teme and a particularly fine bridge.

A perfect day with good friends.