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Day 32: Kington to Knighton (16.3 miles)

Aware that heavy rain could be an issue today, I was up at 6am and broke camp by 7:15.  I ate a quick breakfast standing by my packed backpack pleased to have got all away before any rain. In full waterproofs and with only light rain I left at 7:40.

I walked to rough the attractive town of Kington and started the climb up Bradnor Hill and the highest golf club in England - although with they welcome walkers, unfortunately I was far too early for them to be open - I’d have loved a coffee! 

I took my wet gear off at this point as it seemed like the risk of rain had passed at least for the moment. But at 9:50 I was walking into mist! Just at that point I was chuffed to see a pair of very smart redstarts. And finally I was delighted to be walking along the dyke at Rushock Hill - the rest of the day was a revelation for this, and was capped by seeing a stonechat sounding its alarm.

The walk from Kington to Knighton is a series of pretty steep hills and walking between Rushock Hill and Hirrock Hill Common was no exception. The woodlands were full of birdsong and I was thrilled when a Willow Warbler sitting at the top of a small bare tree allowed me to identify its song and realise there were lots of others around: zeet, zeet, zeet then downward notes. Coming off Hirrock Hill Common, the extensive dyke there overlooking Wales is really impressive.

I was surprised that the signal along the borders he as been consistently good - contrasting with the SW Coastal Path where it was often non-existent. I walked across valley to a steady climb through woods and then along the dyke again towards Evenjobb Hill where I heard the distinctive call of a yellowhammer.

What really struck me today was the camaraderie of the path - I was delighted to see the 3 "10 trekkers" approaching the bench I’d just left after my lunch - so they hadn’t had to leave as I’d feared the day before. And I met Adam and Ben a couple of times today after spending time with them last night at the Swan. Dave Muckall was walking the  opposite way and had obviously got quite a following on Facebook - an Australian couple came across us as he and I were chatting about our walks and charities and I immediately recognised him.

With the dyke very much in evidence the path frequently goes along the top - clearly also much liked by sheep from the look of their plentiful droppings! I very much enjoyed the openness of Gilfach and Hengwm Hills with skylarks and meadow pipits giving their all. But I was really wanting to get to Knighton before the rain set in.

An interesting obelisk stood out in a field that was surrounded by Gorse which reminded me of the SW Coastal Path. The path continued to follow some massive sections of the Dyke before dropping down to the town alongside a golf course. 15 minutes further along the river brought me to Panpwnton Campsite where I opted to stay in the converted piggery given the weather warning of heavy rainfall. I was grateful that Sarah from very light rain, the walk had been dry, and I’m hoping hey I won’t find the barn too draughty tonight!











Location: Knighton LD7, UK

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