Monday 24th July 2017   09:27

Great Baddow – Stratford

54.45 miles

Lovely start to the day – breakfast with Marj & Carol – it felt like the proper start of my trip as they waved me off with cheerful smiles and best wishes.  The day was dry and I was optimistic to complete as many miles as my legs would accept.

Beautiful green Essex countryside, combined barley fields and small villages passed by – Writtle (had no idea it was sooooo pretty) Newney Green, Fyfield, High Laver, and Housham Tye.   Pleased to get to Harlow, both old and new; then headed off to the Lee Valley towpath and Waltham Abbey.  Great to be passing by the varied houseboats – less appreciated multiple water filled potholes along the path.  After some easier travelling through the Olympic Park I arrived in Stratford still bearing the remnants of collected mud !   Fortunately I was able to book a room at the Premier Inn and take my bicycle into the room – one bath later and I enjoyed a light supper and some retail therapy (visual only as my panniers were already overladen)