On Sunday May 5th, a fter a few hours sleep, I woke up, packed my belongings, and headed downstairs for breakfast. Kippers were on the menu and I hadn’t had those since walking the Coast to Coast 7 years ago this month. They were rather salty and not as good as the last lot I had but still good protein.

Today I was heading towards Glastonbury and there were a number of camping options, so my plan was to camp🏕️

There was a slight drizzle as I set off from the hotel, but because there was no rain in the forecast, I was surprised and sure it would end soon.

My route took me through a number of small villages between Wellington and Street. I also passed through Taunton on a very nice bike path that kept me out of the traffic.

A lot of my day was on the National Cycle Network route 3.

Today was the first time I rode on a canal path on this trip. I’m sure there is more to come.

First canal path

I stopped at a ruined building to have a snack and read an information sign.

The ruined building was at one time a lock keepers cottage and ale house called The White Lion. In 1940 a pillbox was built inside the structure as part of Britain’s defense against Nazi attack. The pillbox still stands but the cottage has mostly disappeared.

While at this spot it started to pour rain and I decided that my plan to camp was a bad one. I checked on Booking.com and found a B&B just outside of Glastonbury – perfect!! 👍 I booked it.

A lovely garden

At some point while cycling through another picturesque village ( Stoke St Gregory), I stumbled upon a sign for a garden open for charity. I love gardens and seemed to be making good progress so I decided to have a look around despite the rain. I later found out from Melissa (friend I was meeting in Wells 2 days later) that this was part of the National Garden Scheme.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to over 3,500 private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and raises money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

I arrived at the B&B Hygge Somerset around 5pm and met the owner Joe who made me feel very welcome while her guest Sophie made me a cup of tea 🙏

I had gone to the petrol station to buy a sandwich. However, I was craving some fresh vegetables and after commenting that pubs don’t seem to believe in vegetables, Joe disappeared and then reappeared with some freshly roasted vegetables for me for dinner – amazing. Thank you Joe 👍