Day 7 - Saturday 4th August - Upton on Severn to Much Wenlock

Weather - Dry start wet on arrival at Much Wenlock

Distance - 62.2 miles

Camp Site - Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Farley Road, Much Wenlock

We rode out through the main street of Upton upon Severn at about 8.30 am and it was a very quiet country town Saturday morning with nothing open yet and few other people about. The route started flat but soon became very steep as we entered Great Malvern to climb the hill up through the town centre. The route then took us through the now busy small towns of Bromyard and Tenbury Wells to Ludlow at just under 40 miles for the day so far.

We rode up the steep hill under the archway into the centre of Ludlow at the Buttercross. Here in the main square there was a street market in progress with many local people busy with their shopping. We were attracted to a very nice looking pub in the market place with a snack lunch menu on a board outside and went through to the back into a pleasant garden with tables for lunch. By now the air was much cooler although it was still sunny so we had to put on an extra layer to keep warm when we stopped cycling for lunch. We were surprised and a little concerned on going in to the pub to order our lunch and drinks just how run down the pub appeared on the inside but when the food arrived it was very nice indeed and just what we needed.

Leaving Ludlow we rode on through Peaton and Tugford on to the B4378 and into Much Wenlock where we had to pass through the centre and the Guildhall before coming to the Much Wenlock School where the "council" tents were already pitched in the school forecourt just off the main road.

It appeared that there was to be a late event on at the actual sports centre which may be noisy so we were to stay at the opposite side of the school. The showers etc were around the side of the school and in the sports centre building but while they were some way from the tents they were very good if rather small. There was also a swimming pool here. The attendant at the sports centre told us that he was to stay on duty all night in order that the facilities could remain open for us throughout our stay!

It had become colder during the day and during the early evening we had rain showers which were not a problem while we were within the site and having dinner. We all hoped that they would clear by the morning!