Day 19: Oswestry to Bangor-is-y-coed

This seems to be big news in these parts.

Poor reception continues to affect communication with Josh. He is getting close to Jodrell Bank so maybe that is something to do with it.

The weather was much warmer today and Josh found that he was having to take short breaks more frequently, taking refuge in the shade of trees. At one point, while sitting on a grassy bank he noticed that his legs were feeling sunburned and when he took a closer look he realised that he was sitting on top of an ants nest! Ouch! (I can sympathise as I once pitched my tent on an ants nest in Spain). What with bee stings, brambles, sun, wind, rain and ants his legs are taking a beating. I hope you managed to get some antihistamine cream on those bites, Josh.

Josh has a beautiful collection of detailed Ordnance Survey maps but only a less detailed, large scale map of the part of the country that he is currently crossing and he doesn't have any campsites marked out. I have been finding it progressively more difficult to find affordable sites that are on his route. This is not good for Josh 's morale. When he has a definite goal to push for each day he just gets into gear and goes for it but when there are only tentative possibilities of an achievable goal, preferably with a shower at the end of it, it sows doubt and slows his pace. Today he found himself at a crossroads and having to decide whether to walk on for another 2-3 hours or to change his course slightly and take a chance on the closest campsite. He really wanted a shower and was feeling like he had had enough for the day so he stopped into the Royal Oak pub at Bangor-is-y-coed, (Bangor on Dee), to get a drink and make enquiries about any other campsites in the area. That was at about 18:00. I had a text from him at 20:30 to say that he was still at the Royal Oak and that the landlord had asked him if he would like to stay the night, Josh didn't even have to ask. The old inns still seem to be the best port of call for the traveller on foot.



You're doing well, my son! Just be careful where you pitch that tent! And if you are having a beer at the end of the day just be careful to limit it because it will only add to your dehydration. I hope you feel in top shape in the morning.

Distance travelled today: Approx. 14 miles.