14 September.  The early morning warmth in the air boded well as I left Warminster, swiftly noted the suitably named Middle Hill and then  Scratchbury Hill before reaching Heytesbury.  What an idyllically situated village!

I passed the ( very small) lock up; then residents taking offerings of jams, tomatoes and scarlet runners to their local church bring and buy sale and finally  followed a path to the river bank.

As the church bells struck nine I stood peacefully and watched some swans glide noiselessly past the old mill. This area of the countryside really was particularly delightful.

I crossed the stream by Knook Manor and ambled across several fields before reaching Corton.  A steep climb followed to leave the village but I was rewarded with spectacular views over the open countryside.

The views continued for a few miles as The Great Ridge Wood, which graced the horizon loomed ever closer.

This in fact was a fairly open mixed wood of conifers and broadleaved trees and made for pleasant walking.  Just as I started the descent from Rowdean Hill a familiar face turned the corner. The ever lovely T , with fresh socks, trousers and sundry other supplies.

We walked the last three or so miles together into Hindon. I had had concerns about crossing the busy A303, but with patience it was fine. A steep climb up Cold Berwick Hill took us up and then down into  the village.

As we entered Hindon church bells were ringing. A couple of guardsmen graced the door of the village church. What a delightful spot and beautiful afternoon for a wedding.

Hindon itself was a charming mix of brick or tile hung houses ; slate and stone and pollarded lime trees.

I stayed in an old coaching inn, The Angel, spending the evening enjoying the last of this beautiful day’s sunshine sipping lemonade – wishing that I could pass on “The Message” to a poor chap I found in a doorway who appeared desperately in need of a meeting. The ever lovely kind and lovely T began the two and a half hour journey home.