Blog 24 Swinford Toll Bridge to Bablock Hythe Tuesday 19th August '25.

Another good walking day, cloudy with a breeze. I set off just after 10am at the Tollbridge.


I had contacted Peter and Leigh who live close by along the stretch of river I was going to walk today with the hope of meeting them along the route, although not quite sure where this would be. I spotted them up on Pink Hill Lock not more than a mile from my starting point. They were waiting along the tow path, talking to holiday makers in a very nice narrowboat hired for two weeks. This next photo shows the boat person collecting water, but I did not take a picture of my friends. 


The path after the lock took me away from the river, it was good walking on a wide path across the fields most of which were full of sheep. 


I think I have written before about the difference walking on my own. This path was a good path with few hazards and so I was able to think about the reasons why I was walking. Elizabeth was always a good walker whilst I was often reluctant to walk the long distances she achieved.  During her illness she walked miles telling herself that as long as she could do this she would overcome MND. 

I was thinking of the the stages of grief researched by Kubler Ross where she says the first stage when faced with a life threatening condition is denial. Elizabeth never moved from this position, determined she would fight it and win, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Thinking for myself during these walks I think I am getting through the angry phase, although often depressed and sad, but learning to accept that this is reality, Elizabeth is no longer in this world. 

As I am nearing the end of the walk and the source of the Thames is about 30 odd miles away, I realise that my searching will come to nothing. My dreams where I am with Elizabeth, we are always going somewhere, but we never get there. I am working out what I need to do when I complete the Thames Walk. 

In the meantime, I am enjoying the walk and I am reaching the area I know best, the West End road is across this next field. 


Then a short walk to the Ferryman Pub and Bablock Hythe, and then walk home. Another five miles completed. 

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