I wake to the sounds of a stag barking at 2am, this goes on accompanied with stomping through the undergrowth. I roll over and wake at 5am. I’m slow to mobilize and I’m not hiking until after 6am. I see four does and two stags frolicking around, they eye me with suspicion. Eight miles to go!
I bimble along the road and a few early morning cars pass by. I go right at a crossroads and pass by large houses. A lone dog follows me along the house boundry and watches me forlornly. I dream of what future goodies await me when I will arrive in Winchester. I only have a few dried nuts and fruits left – my hiker hunger hit me more than I though it would.
I pass over the M3 and get lost as I reach Winchester, strange how it easily transforms from countryside to city so quickly. I see other hikers going east bound and I feel slightly smug about ambling to the finish line. I reach Winchester cathedral but can’t find the trail head which marks the start/end of the hike. I’m not 100% sure if there is one but there should be one.
My stomach overrules my searching and I return to the cathedral grounds clutching a cheese and onion pastry, a square-shaped sponge cake with pink icing, a glazed donut, a tuna sandwich and a Dr Pepper and proceed to descend into a food induced haze.
Once satisfied, I wander around the charity shops before heading out to locate my car. Nicnacs had sent me a pinpoint location and I tracked it with google maps. I head to my prebooked accommodation for the night and have an epic shower. I’m asleep by 9:30am.
Discover more from Keïteï Ventures
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
