Whisper it softly ………

In spite of being woken up at 2.30am by torrential rain beating on my bedroom window, I awoke today to bright sunshine!  Then I looked at the weather forecast for the Guildford area and it showed a 90% chance of heavy showers all morning.

Out with the waterproofs because today Guildford Walkfest was due to launch at The Percy Arms in Chilworth and then be followed by a gentle walk through the Gunpowder Mills and surrounding area.

The drive there from my home was less than 15 minutes but I managed to include bright skies and raindrops along the way.  I was early and expected to be the first arrival so that the pop-up and other bits could be sorted before our walkers arrived.  Oh no!  One walker was already in the carpark whilst another was about to tuck into a wonderful looking breakfast inside the Percy Arms.  I must try that sometime, it looked great!

A little before our scheduled launch time (10.30am) some bright weather appeared so we were able to gather outside and greet the Mayor of Guildford (Howard Smith) who said a few words and ceremonially cut the ribbon to launch this year’s Walkfest.

About 20 of us then gathered up our outdoor clothing and set off for our stroll.  Believe it or not, for the entire hour and a bit which we were outside for the launch and walk, the weather stayed fine!  It must be our special Walkfest weather-god at work again because within 30 minutes of our return to the pub, we were right under another downpour. 

A number of us stayed at The Percy for lunch – another “must do” if you haven’t tried their food or, indeed, time to go back again if you have!  I can strongly recommend the food – and judging by the number of empty plates at the end of the meal, so would all the others!

Let’s hope that today has been a good omen for this years Walkfest.  Good food, good company, good weather and, most important of all, an interesting and enjoyable walk.