Day 5: Shiplake to Ewelme

We leave the Thames Valley today, crossing the Chiltern Hills in one day on our walk to Ewelme. An early start gets us to St Michael's for a mid-morning service. Following this a short walk to the next village results in a prayer stop and then lunch in Rotherfield Peppard. We then make our way to Stoke Row where, after a prayer stop, we visit a well called the "Maharajah's Well". More hilly walking leads us to Nuffield, then into Ewelme, with the Thames Valley once again appearing before us.

Clearing up in Shiplake Village Hall.

The support vehicles outside the hall.

The harvest is already in.

The first pub we passed was closed.

We walked through herd of White Park Cattle, a conservation breed (there were only 69 cattle after WW2).

The cattle were friendly - and very interested in Louise!

The farmer took time to tell us about the breed and his herd.

Opium poppies drying beside the path.

Pilgrims waiting for access to St Michael's, Sonning Common, for Mass.

The musicians at Mass.

The inside of the church after the pilgrims have left.

Ready for the off again.

Approaching All Saints, Rotherfield Peppard.

Up the church path.

The high altar with an impressive Last Supper behind.

Theresa and James head out from the church.

A short walk takes us to lunch at the Red Lion.

Joan and Bernie seem oblivious to the Land Rover behind them

Pilgrims eat their packed lunches on the common opposite the pub.

A tortoise in the pub.

Andy enjoys his lunch.

The back markers leave the pub.

Peter stands at a safe distance while Louise talks to some horse riders.

St John's Church, Stoke Row was closed for renovation..

...so our prayer stop was transferred to the Maharajah's Well.

The front markers arrive...

...and are soon directing pilgrims.

Time for a rest.

Isaac gave an animated reflection.

But then the rain began.

Off down the lane.

Fr David serves drinks.

At Nuffield, Maurice gives a reflection on the Turin Shroud.

Alpacas (Staffordshire Long Necked Sheep) outside Ewelme.

Wet pilgrims entering Ewelme.

Approaching the Village Hall - one of few thatched halls we've ever stayed in.

An overflow group are staying in the Watercress Visitors Centre - on stone floors!

Isaac serves teas and coffees.