Definite muscle pain in my left shin. We were hoping our two day scheduled break in Banbury would sort it out and indeed, we were off to a pain free start on Tuesday. Then about eight miles in, a sudden thunderstorm resulted in slogging through muddy fields while soaking wet, but not cold. That did it – I hobbled on for 2 more miles and then we called a cab. By the time we got to the Minor Injuries Clinic in Evesham on Wednesday morning the muscle was visibly swollen and painful even to the touch. Diagnosis – shin splints, treatment – ice, rest and ibuprophen. We took the train back to Banbury via Oxford and Dave picked us up from the station and took us back to our little flat over the garage, now for our third visit. We stocked up on groceries on the way.

So, going forward – we are scheduled to start the Pennine Way in about 10 days. That section is really the high point of our walk and I must be fit for it, so we will take an extended break at Dave’s (thanks again Dave). As of writing, it’s day two of rest and the swelling is noticeably reduced so we’re optimistic. Tim is making me cups of tea and keeping me off my feet. He could be bored with the inactivity, but the Olympics are on the TV and the new Zelda game is out so we will survive. If all goes well, our tentative plan is to skip the section from Bidford-on-Avon to Uttoxeter. Watch this space for an update in a couple of days. Fingers crossed.