Lyth Hill to Wem- 21.3 miles

Had an excellent breakfast and discussed opera, the oil fields of Scotland, and of course the habits / rituals of the Long Distance Walker with other guests before hitting the road. Today was one of those days that start off in a positive manner only to slide rapidly downhill. By the time I got to Shrewsbury I could see how the die was cast. A new ring road meant my route into the town centre had changed and added a 1.5 miles to my route . Eventually I escaped  via the prison to the footpath out of the town that follows the river Severn. 

 This headed north with very few options but to follow a series of small footpaths across the countryside to join minor roads that would eventually lead to Wem. These were largely badly sign posted and maintained  and I soon found myself on the wrong side of a fence line  damp and dispirited. Did I mention it rained most of the afternoon .

The only thing that cheered me up was the sound of the Cuckoo calling across the fields. I got to Wem just after 5pm. Wem means marsh and is famous for sweet peas and the hanging judge Jefferys. Oh the other fact I can tell you is if you arrive on a Sunday after 5pm most places to eat are closed. At least the pub serves a decent glass of beer. All in all it was a frustrating  day but I got here safely in the end.