Day 3: Uttoxeter to Ashbourne

After our late, wet evening we were up on schedule and soon donning our wet boots, loading the van and preparing for the off.

The front markers were in playful mood early in the day (it wouldn't last!)

First stop: St Michael & All Angels, Stramshall, where we were welcomed by the parishioners, and told of the wonderful views we were to enjoy going over to Croxden.

Enjoying those views, we found a donkey inspecting the front marking: yes Eeyore, the pin is at the top!

We passed by Hollington Church - the route had more than enough places for prayer!

Patrick was praying that the overgrown paths would improve (in fact, they got worse!)

Then, the view over Croxden Abbey as we approached down the hill.

Here we held an open air prayer stop, and pilgrims compared foot notes.

After the Abbey we had to pass by the "modern" church.

And so, on to Alton (as in Towers) for lunch, where Patrick DID buy a round for the pilgrims (see Adrians Prayer Intention on the Discussion Forum on this site)

Bruce, Chief Coordinator Elect, was mellowing out in the "garden" of the Bulls Head.

Lourdes was already mellow (if you believe she drank all those pints).

Today's walk was led by the A-Team: Ant, Andy, Aid and 'Atrick.

Straight after lunch we stopped at Alton Castle

In the elaborate Pugin chapel

The pilgrims arrive for prayer.

After Alton we enjoyed a stretch of easy going on an old railway line. The youngsters have been taking lessons from Julian (train noises please!)

Well, the going got - tougher. But after climbs, descents, nettles, brambles, lumpy ground we reached Ellastone

 

Well, it tried to rain, just enough to get the waterproofs out, then changed its mind (several times over). In due course we reached Church Mayfield, but the church was locked.

Then an easy level walk into Ashbourne, and the welcome sight of our accommodation for the night.

Bedspaces found, we celebrated Mass in the Methodist Church attached to the hall, where Fr David set out on a series of little talks on the life of St Chad..

The flute choir were trying harmonies

and the pilgrims were in fine voice.

And so, supper on laps in the upper room.