Walsingham Camino Day Three – Stanstead Mountfitchet

Mud is the word best to describe today’s stage. I had another lazy start, beginning my walk at about 0830h.

The route rejoined the Hertfordshire Way, which it followed all the way to Bishop’s Stortford.

Not a towpath in sight – proper countryside walking. The trade off was the mud, the worst claggy type. Slippery underfoot and sticks to your boots.

It made the trek tricky, each step was taken in care and my legs were telling me about it. Thankfully there was a bit of respite on the climb into Widford, where I paused at the church for a snack, overlooking the valley below.

I followed the path down and back to the mud. After a small wooded section amongst the birdsong, I came into ‘Much Hadham’ where the road was flooded. A steady stream flowed down one side, over ankle deep.

Typically, I needed to cross it, but there was no way around. I consulted my map and opted for an alternative route.

I stopped for my packed lunch in the village before pressing on. More mud followed and by the time I reached Bishop’s Stortford, I had had enough.

Not wanting to stop, I pressed on – the stage end and a pint were in my crosshairs! Unfortunately I hadn’t taken in much of the scenery today. The ground took my concentration and attention, but it’s all part of the challenge.

Just after 1400h I arrived at my BnB for the night, glad for a warm shower and no mud!