I slept like a log last night and it was really difficult to get myself out of bed this morning. I eventually got up and had breakfast with Nikki and Si. We said our goodbyes and then I was off driving back into Cardiff. I parked up at IKEA as it was closer to the train station for later.
The coast path through Cardiff was closed and diversions were in place, however that meant walking mainly through the suburbs which weren’t particularly interesting from an aesthetic perspective. I did however go past the Millennium stadium where I did my Instagram post for the day. I considered but didn’t do a short detour to Techniquest a science discovery centre where I once had an interview for the position of CEO.
As it was going to be a long day I decided to travel light so instead of taking my rucksack I stuffed my pockets full of essential items, well mainly food and snacks.
As the forecast predicted it started to rain. The roads were very busy and all the roadworks for the flood defence upgrades were in full effect.
Once off the road the path took me right past the refuse works where that horrible smell filled the air. The sound of the machinery and heavy vehicles could be heard for several miles.
It took two hours of walking to finally get to the sea. Then it was a long few hours of walking in a fairly straight line down to Newport. The rain became very heavy and obscured any view. It was a pretty miserable couple of hours.
I bought a Belgian bun when I passed Lidl this morning and so I treated myself to this as a reward for keeping going today. I really questioned myself as to why I was walking on this very dull route and in this cold rain. Why does the route take walkers past the most uninspiring, smelly, noisy and dull parts of the city? Who planned this route? Why didn’t I get a bus across town? And why am I walking in the rain getting soaked right through? Why am I doing this day after day?
The only point of interest was this Lighthouse which has been converted into residential accommodation.
I took the opportunity to jump off the track at that point and continue on the road. I arrived at Asda completely soaked to the skin. It didn’t have a café but it did have a McDonald’s! I refuelled and had a well deserved sit down. Then I used the hand dryers in the toilet to try and dry myself off before I ventured out again. To my surprise, it had stopped raining. I then had a long walk across town to the train station.
I did see some crocuses in flower today by the roadside. that was the brightest bit of otherwise a very dull day.
Fortunately, I only had to wait a couple of minutes for the train back to Cardiff. I wasn’t quite sure what ticket I got because the ticket machine was a touchscreen which wasn’t really working very well and it kept jumping from one screen to another! Frustrated I just pressed pay and it shot out a ticket. Two trains later I arrived at Grangetown.
Back at Ikea I visited the restaurant had something to eat and drink and relaxed before the long drive back to Nash, Newport in the dark at rush hour!
After a few wrong turns, phone calls and what three words eventually I found Verdigris. We had a good chat about loss of partners and grief. I also met Pickle and foster dog Poppy both cocker spaniels. Then it was time for a shower and off to bed.
Best bits: hot shower and company
Worst bits: getting soaked, boring route
Distance: 18.6 miles
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