Wed 16th May - Kingston-on-Thames to Walton-on-Thames

Before I start, a special mention for Travelodge. If you want a c**p hotel which seems to be run by just two staff; which doesn't supply enough towels and pillows; where you only get a hairdryer if someone else hasn't already nabbed it; where the shower is so small if you could persuade a cat in there with you, you would be unable to swing it; where the cafe has a menu where half the choices are unavailable and is run by a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown who can't cope with more than 3 customers at a time then the Travelodge is the place for you. We couldn't face the thought of breakfast there and opted for Starbucks across the road. I was asked if I had enjoyed my stay and how I would rate the hotel - I told the receptionist it was a dump and the worst place I have ever stayed and gave her 0 out of 10 (bet that doesn't get recorded!!). A letter of complaint listing all the above will be winging it's way to head office when we get home with a demand for our money back.

And breathe ...... :)

After breakfast and a stop at Cotswold Outdoor to replace the map holder which disintegrated yesterday, we met up with Sue and headed off. A shorter (8 mile) walk today and it was dry and sunny so there was no relentless plodding along in the rain like yesterday. Today's stretch included a few miles alongside Hampton Court Park and Bushy Park. We stopped for coffee at Hampton Court Bridge - couldn't help noticing the sign saying 147 miles to the source! Hmmmm ;) We noticed swifts were around today. We also saw some kestrel-like birds of prey swooping low over the river. We couldn't identify them so will check the RSPB website next time we have wifi available. Lots of houseboats and rather grand riverside properties to admire today and we saw a number of boats pottering up and down. Lunch at Sunbury Lock and a chance to watch the world (and boats) go by before the final two miles into Walton. Tonight's B&B is almost 2 miles from the river - given the fact we've covered 44 miles in the last four days we figured we deserved a quick taxi ride to save our legs :)