If yesterday was the relatively easy hard day, then today was the relatively hard easy day. The walk seemed to be an interminable slog from field to field (there were over sixty – I went back to the map and counted).
The biggest problem with going from field to field is that it’s impossible to get any rhythm going. Up on the moors, or on good tracks like yesterday, you can hit stride and the miles seem to fly by almost effortlessly. Today, by contrast, I seemed to stop every few minutes to negotiate another gate or stile, and to check the map to see where on the far side of the next field I needed to aim. Imagine running a half-marathon where you have to stop every 300 metres to stop for directions, and you’ll have some sense of my frustration.
And then, near the end of the day’s walk when my mood was at its foulest, I came to the edge of Meriden with its simple Norman church and, just across the lane, Moat House which is more than 400 years old and still someone’s home.
I spent a contented few minutes wandering the churchyard and enjoying the ambiance of a scene that would have changed very little since Shakespeare’s time.
And, just a couple of miles further on, I saw my first thatched cottage of the walk.
This may be difficult countryside for the walker, but it has its consolations.
Day 13 Route: Whitacre Heath to Balsall Common via Heart of England Way. Terrain: gently rolling fields. Weather: overcast, mild. Daily distance: 23.3 km/14.4 miles. Cumulative distance: 316.2 km/196.0 miles. Accommodation: Haig’s Hotel, Balsall Common.
Come Wind, Come Weather 
Simon, you write so well – you could turn this into a book! Jan follows your blog diligently with such enjoyment. I just ‘walked’ four days in one sitting and have finally caught up with you! This morning I walked up out of Settle the same way you did on day 1. The lady who owns the donkeys in the field where the children and I said goodbye to you was there, as she had been on day 1. She said to me, “Did you really say that your neighbour was walking to ROME the other day?” I told her about how you’re doing, and how lovely it is to read your blog – I think you may have another follower soon… her name is Josie Perriman – I must just find her email address, which I jotted down on the back of my map. I hid a dozen Easter eggs in the Attermire hills today, for a navigation course tomorrow. May your tomorrow have more thatched rooves and quaint cottages, fewer stiles and no bulls! I am afraid to say that rain is on its way, at least up here!
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Hi Simon
Good bye Birmingham – hello Oxford! Friends at my office also did the double take “He’s doing what?” when I’ve shared your journey. Our mutual colleague “Dodgy” says hello and sends you his best wishes too – I passed on your website to him as well.
Safe walking my friend – easy stiles, friendly hobbit ponies and happy adventures.
Chris
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