Day 9: Chadlington to Shipston-on-Stour

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No looking back to last night today! The logistics of two halls a quarter of a mile apart meant a walk to breakfast for some, and early loading of the van at the school before the Memorial Hall. We had a great send off at both locations, with Sue Haffenden and others at the hall and Gary Hunt at the school. We'll remember Chadlington not only for the link with St Chad, but especially for the welcome and interest of the locals.

Despite leaving late and having to run back to retrieve a lonely wallet, Patrick and I managed to catch up with Pat and Ursula (the new blister queen)

Our first stop of the day was Chipping Norton Methodist Church, to join them for their morning worship. Again we got a great welcome, and it was a good experience for those of us who are less familiar with other traditions.

Father David was asked to say a bit about us, and awarded crosses to two newly-arrived pilgrims

From the Methodist Church we walked through Chipping Norton (a chance top refill wallets from the assorted cash dispensers), passing the Anglican church (where a service was in progress). The tail-enders, however, were able to pop in and enjoy this beautiful wool church.

From there we headed to Salford and the church of St Mary. Although this was labelled a DIY GodStop, we were met by the vicar and a parishioner, who walked a little way with us when we learnt that a relative (?) was one of the Canons of Lichfield Cathedral.

From Salford we pressed on across the hill to the Cross Hands pub at Salford Hill for lunch. The long morning and drags up and down the Cotswold Hills had taken their toll on Francis.

From Salford Hill we followed the Macmillan Way to the church of St Peter and Paul, Long Compton, where we were welcomed with TEA. Lesley and John led the prayer stop, which concluded with a rousing chorus of Shine, Jesus, Shine.

The church was beautifully decorated with flowers for a wedding. Sorry, I can't send the scent over the internet!

Just after the church we found the village's Millennium Chronolog

Back onto the hills, we found the pilgrim's nightmare - a newly ploughed field. Even the athletic Kath was slowed

Our last stop of the day was at St Martin's, Barcheston. Sadly, due to a misunderstanding, several pilgrims found the church closed and passed by (though Pat and I stopped to pray for Martin who is off to Kosovo.

And so on to Stour Valley School, loads of space and hot but not scalding showers. If ploughed fields are hell, this must be heaven!

So that's us for today - a long day, late arrival and dinner, a brief trip for refreshments, and bed. Only one day till the next rest day!