In which we head shakily out of London to Shropshire.
The day started early, at 3 a.m. with mild food poisoning from last nights’ goodbye dinner. By the time I needed to leave I was still feeling very dodgy so I eschewed the trip by underground to Euston requiring changes, in favour of a trip by cab. I think this was my first ride in a London cab – they are very roomie and comfortable. The traffic was bad, but the driver quite assertive so we made it there in 25 mins. Was very glad I hadn’t attempted the stairs at the underground with my heavy suitcase feeling as I do, and pleased (as the cab driver I’m sure was!) that I didn’t upchuck in the cab. (While I am still able to stuff everything into one case, it’s a borderline benefit as it’s getting heavy).
Had a while to sit around waiting for the train platform to appear on the board and so was able to sit and chill, which was helpful to let the gravol kick in. Unfortunately gravol makes me even stupider than usual. The fellow on the seat next to me was helpful in suggesting words for the spelling bee đŸ™‚
Train left late, so was hopeful that it would be easy to transfer in Birmingham (which it was). Hoping to get some sleep to catchup but unfortunately the woman in the seat opposite, in the quiet car, was chatting on the phone the first half hour. Some people have plenty of spare time (thinking of the person on the other end)! Despite the traffic being heavy heading out of the city on the roads as it is a long weekend and start of a week long spring break here, the train was fairly empty. Made it uneventfully to Shrewsbury; the next leg, to Church Stretton was a no go as the Welsh trains weren’t able to get through due to a train colliding with a tractor left on the tracks before Shrewsbury. There were bus bridges laid on, and massive queues to get on them in parts. Road works around the rail station made it interesting for my friends Hilary and John for pickup, one of those traffic jams where you sit without moving for a long time…
It was a nice day so we went for a walk by the river Severn; lots of people out and about, and lots of green spaces. The river looked very pretty, but alas is not terribly clean so water sports are restricted for most to canoe or kayak.
sunbathing on the opposite side decks looked tempting!
lots of green space and an unusual round church at the top. They are trying to raise 200,000 GBP for restoration.
Shrewsbury is a very attractive town with a lot of preserved Tudor buildings.
Lots of independent stores vs. big box chains
Market square
a quieter back street
lots of wattle and daub buildings
Hilary and John, friends from Mongolia cycling trip in 2023
the tiny back streets could have been the set for “Diagonally” of Harry Potter
Next we went to look at the castle at the top of the hill; it’s now a museum for soldiers’ memorabilia.
complete with leaded glass windows
Hardly anyone was around. The grounds were well kept and would be a haven on a hot day.
There were nice views over the valleys surrounding.
Drove over to Church Stretton, through lovely rolling agricultural lands dotted with many sheep. Checked into B&B for the night, and met up later for dinner at a local Thai eatery. It was busy, as was the “bike shop bar” across the square where we retired initially for drinks as the table wasn’t ready. Very noisy bar…but clearly being enjoyed by the attendees! Food at the Sawadee restaurant was very good, then home to bed down at the B&B. As it was above the pub, it was a tad noisy until about 11:30 but earplugs were very effective and it closed reasonably early. After the disrupted night last night it was a pleasure to be horizontal.