DAY TWO Gloucester to Tewkesbury

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Our first walking day - and an early start to clear the hall in time for our hosts from the Salvation Army to use it for their Sunday service. An especially early start for those who were to attend the 8.00 Communion at the Cathedral, and had to be packed beforehand.

Back at the hall, the loading of the van was underway.

For once, the pilgrims were ready early, van packed, raring to go. We hung about in the morning sunshine . . .

. . . before making our setting out prayers and heading off through the town centre.

What goes up must come down - backmarker Jonny in action.

Gloucester is a city of many churches, several of which we passed, including the redundant St Nicholas'.

Heading out of town, we encountered a Millennium Gate before passing under the railway and heading for the river bank.

The first drinks stop - a chance for a chat.

And next, our first hill: a short, sharp ascent.

At the top of the hill were a series of challenging gates . . .

. . . and a view back of the Cathedral.

Pilgrims had to breathe in as a combine harvester passed by.

Before descending into Hartpury, we got a first view of the Malvern Hills.

We were well ahead of time when we arrived at Hartpury Methodist Chapel . . .

. . . with its interesting Victorian interior.

Here Joyce led a reflection on today's theme of Air, the first of the hierarchy of needs, based on her experience of living with asthma.

Leaving the chapel, the sunshine gave way to drizzle - that choice of whether or not to don waterproofs!

Entering the village, David was taken by the amazing gates of the primary school.

After lunch at the Royal Exchange, the rain came heavier . . .

. . . as evidenced by the increasing puddle size. Our Canadian friends found walking in the rain a novel experience.

Next stop was Odda's Chapel, a Saxon building now in the care of English Heritage.

And you don't get Odda than a Palace supporter!

Just up the road, our formal prayer stop was at St Mary's, Deerhurst.

A chance to rest (and talk Portuguese to a little girl whose Dad was undertaking archaeological investigations in the church tower).

The interior included a Saxon font

Here Jack led the reflection, on the theme "why I am a pilgrim" concluding "because God wants me to be".

Round the far end of the church was a Saxon angel carved high on the wall.

From Deerhurst, it was a fairly straightforward walk towards Tewkesbury

Where we were welcomed to the Abbey by pealing bells.

We joined the congregation for sung Evensong and a challenging sermon on Our Lady on this her feast day.

And so a simple walk through the town to the Primary School where we were able to remove those wet boots, and relax before supper.

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