Day One: Winchester

Okay here goes... upon my arrival in Winchester some 2 hours before Craig I ventured to check into our B&B (St. Margaret's). I fortuitously avoided some considerable embarrassment when I knocked on no.3 St. Michael's Gardens instead of no.3 St Michael's Rd and there was no-one in to tell me I had the wrong road. The curtains were twitching opposite I'm sure. Anyway, I checked in to find a very friendly woman, a cat and its kitten (Henry). Along with a hot shower and clean towels this was enough for me, I was ready to begin.

I wasted my hour or so wandering around Winchester. I've already been and it's quite small so I skipped the Cathedral (too expensive) and the Great Hall with the 'Round Table' (too ridiculously fake). I wandered the cathedral grounds then sat back on the grass and read all about the upcoming South Downs Way. The only interesting part of this was that I was surrounded by teenagers hanging around for Friday night pre-party socialising. Craig arrived in due course and we headed to The Hyde Tavern. A glorious pub, fantastic garden, and good beer. Two aspects worth noting: the ceiling is ludicrously low in parts (I'm talking 5ft at most) and there was a lovely springer spaniel in the beer garden who was completely obsessed with playing catch with a pebble, chewing it, spitting it out at your feet and expecting you to nudge it towards her! LOVELY :o)

Went on to meet Craig's dad and partner for an Indian. Myself and Craig both agreed this was probably not the best meal to have as a base layer for 18 miles of walking but hey ho! A nice meal, with an extra course on the house as apparently Craig's dad knew the owner, or the owner's family. I'm unsure of the details frankly. Anyway, moved on for a swift one in The Wykeham Arms before back to the B&B for an early night. Can't remember what I had, apart from the fact that it was £3.50, it was Fullers and it was flat. Everything I expected about southern beer in one drink. There was also a moody twat at the bar, who when the barman jovially asked him if there was a play or gig that had just finished as "everyone's come at once, we were dead a few minutes ago" (NOTE: To my knowledge only four people had come in!), the guy replied humourlessly: "It's called Friday night mate." Cunt. End of day one.