Day 12: Devizes to Pewsey

"Well rested, we start the final section of the pilgrimage. Today we head east, and before lunch cross a boundary which tells us that we are nearly home. Between the prayer stops at All Cannings and Stanton St. Bernard we cross into the Salisbury Diocese. It is a day of two roughly equal halves. The morning route follows the Kennet & Avon canal with a few deviations for prayers. We also cut out some of the loops in the canal which follows the contour of the terrain. After lunch we take to the hills to the north to get a better view of the Vale of Pewsey, and we have a chance to consider the Neolithic people who lived, worshipped and are buried on these hills. The last church we visit has a rather fine example of a modern, stained glass, cross hanging over the altar."

The day started with Mass in St Joseph's again.

Off along the canal - ducks were in evidence.

Lots of boats at Devizes Wharf (canal museum etc)

Julia feeds the cygnets.

Joan making it appear cold and wet - it was cool and occasionally drizzly!

Pilgrims at the first drink stop.

Front markers on the short cut across a long loop in the canal.

Drinks at All Cannings.

Rosemary is knitting with Orange Squash at All Cannings.

Bill gets a drink - and he's not walked anywhere yet!

Fred and Howard approach the church.

Helen adjusts her boots at All Saints Church, All Cannings.

Fr David chats to the vicar.

Bruce sits and thinks - or something like that!

Theresa leads the reflection.

A lady checks up on Patrick.

Front markers set off from All Cannings church.

The phone box has seen better days.

Aruna and Henriette.

Back over the canal.

The painted interior of All Saints Church at Stanton St Bernard.

You can do it, Anne.

Frances and Bill are reunited at The Barge Inn - last here together in 1986.

It was a bit chilly in the garden.

Back markers stay safely inside the bar.

Others sat in the marquee.

Bernie woke up too soon - before the glasses were assembled around her.

Sarah guiltily eats a doughnut - and complains at the lack of jam!

A White Horse on the hillside.

Inside St Mary's, Alton Priors.

We were welcomed by the vicar.

Marie led the reflection.

A corn circle seen from the hillside.

View along the downs.

Approaching a drink stop on Knapp Hill.

"View from the top".

It's bracing up here!

Howard, Neville and Julia took the low-level route along the canal.

On the top, the descent into Huish had one short, sharp muddy patch - and our leader slipped in.

Others work their way around the slime.

St Nicholas' Church at Huish.

Jack led the reflection.

Leaving the church.

Last drink stop at Oare.

Final prayer stop at Oare.

The stained glass cross.

Douglas fights with the overgrown path.

Mike puts up some arrow on a high bridge...

...to wish Chris a Happy Birthday.

Past pilgrim Simon arrived with dogs (he lives a few minutes away) and offered showers - and a bed!

Dinner time.