And the rains came down and the floods came up,
But the rock built house stood firm
The rain is nowhere near enough to cause a flood yet. But another day of walking along the Severn Way through very wet foliage didn’t really appeal. A second plan was made with minimal wet Severn Way and as it was Bambo moving on Day, we drove up to the end point at Kempsey church to leave the car there for me to pick up at the end of the walk.
Whilst doing this is became obvious that there could be a third plan with no Severn Way today, and that would be via the A38 as it had a footway all of its length from Upton upon Severn.
At this point I should explain that Bob had already expressed the view that some local A roads can be good routes because of this feature. I had said I’d prefer paths as road walking is not really my thing. But then on Day 34 when a wet path did not seem such a good option, I chose the A38.
On a wet day there’s not so much to see anyway. Even the Malvern Hills were largely obscured. But there were purple green winged orchids on the verge and many other flowering plants. The cow parsley was as high as a bovine’s eye in places.
There were also old milestones marking the route to Worcester, although somewhat inconsistently.
My first stop was St Deny’s church at Severn Stoke which has weathered more than its share of floods in the past. It is concerning that the flood years come closer together: 2007, 2012, 2013. In all three of these years the church was flooded to a height of well over 30 inches in the Nave. It still stands and offers regular services. I seem to remember there was work going on with the flood defenses when we came this way on Hannah’s walk in 2012.
I met another walker coming towards me also avoiding the wet Severn Way but in the other direction. He was walking the three Choirs Way which is another lovely route in this area.
A butty van called Wendy’s kitchen provided a welcome drink of hot chocolate about lunchtime. And soon after that a farm shop selling local asparagus provided a distraction.
My car was parked in Church Lane, Kempsey, also known for flooding. Before I set off I found out that the footpath for tomorrow has been detoured along the A38 to Worcester due to various bits of work going on.
For all the saints, who honour small villages with their names and faith stories;
We give thanks.
For all the saints who labour in all weathers to mend roads, control floods or bring in the harvest;
We give thanks.
For all the saints who staff small shops, campsites and takeaways feeding passers-by and locals;
We give thanks.
For all the saints, that they may rest from their labours;
Grant us all a quiet night and a peaceful end.
JAL 09.05.2019
Day 34 of the End to End, Upton upon Severn to Kempsey via the A38.