Today will be a make or break day, executing a fundamental switch from west to east of the country. As I set out, I’m encouraged that the weather is back to sunny again with the wind pretty much behind me too :o)

My route takes me from St Briavels on the Welsh border, to Gloucester - where I get a sinking feeling. Turns out it’s just a slow puncture! I pump up the tyre, continue to Cheltenham and after a quick BK, locate a bike shop to pick up a handful of spare inner tubes. I swap the faulty tube and am back on the road in no time.

It’s then onwards though picturesque villages and old country lanes to Stratford upon Avon, Warwick and Leamington Spa, before arriving at Stretton-on-Dunsmore for around 6pm. Huge thanks to Helen & Paul for putting me up at short notice after my Leamington B&B fell through.

Also waiting for me at Stretton are my folks, who’ve made their way up to see me and treat us to an evening meal.

Tomorrow I should benefit a bit from the extra miles I’ve done today. Leicester & Nottingham await.