While I left the Thames behind yesterday, today my route followed a towpath again, this one along the River Wey. It was easy going, with the path just damp enough to soften the ground. For the first time since I left home, my boots are mostly free of mud. Still, after a week of walking on essentially flat land, I am looking forward to hills again.
I was thinking today about how a walk like this changes perceptions of distance. On one hand, “small” distances become large. If I have to walk a mile off route to reach accommodation, the trip there and back adds the better part of an hour to my day’s walk, although it would take minutes at most in a car. On the other hand, “large” distances become small. It continues to astound me that England, with all its history, population, scenery, and regional diversity, is so small that an ordinary person can walk almost from one end to the other in just over a month.
More signs of spring today: trees coming into leaf …
… and frogspawn in puddles.
Day 26 Route: Weybridge to Guildford via Wey Navigation. Terrain: towpath. Weather: sunny initially, showers and hail later. Daily distance: 22.8 km/14.1 miles. Cumulative distance: 629.1 km/390.0 miles. Accommodation: Travelodge, Guildford.
Come Wind, Come Weather 
Really interesting following you Simon, and I very much enjoy the history / stories. Today I have a very good idea where you are as I have several relatives in and around Guildford, and I have visited there a few times. Catch your blog tomorrow.
LikeLike