I got the train to Didcot Parkway, and had a carriage all to myself for most of the way.

At the point where I got dropped off by the taxi. Me looking moronic and delighted to be back out walking again.

Me looking slightly less moronic but still delighted.

I won't try and write comments for all the photos - go and read John Goes For a Walk for more details!

The drinking water tap where I decided to stop and cook lunch.

Today's lunch - vegan orzo bolognese.

I walked a little further down the track as the rehydrated meal needed to soak for 15 minutes.

This seemed like a nice spot to sit and eat my lunch.

Lunch with a view.

It wasn't bad actually.

Lots of butterflies on this stretch of the path. Here's a small tortoiseshell.

...and this is a peacock.

Somebody had lost a water bottle.

Crabapple tree?

The approach to Whitehorse Hill / Uffington Fort.

The trig point atop Whitehorse Hill. Unfortunately it seemed like it would be too much of a detour to get to a vantage point where I'd actually be able to see the white horse.

Uffington Fort.

Felt a few spots of rain at this point which encouraged me to press on.

Sheep grazing. Yes indeed!

Intriguing bits of woodland off the path near Wayland's Smithy.

The entrance to Wayland's Smithy.

Wayland's Smithy.

I rested here a while, and this was one of the nicest bits of today's walk. Very atmospheric and peaceful spot.

I found this stone quite intriguing.

I look a bit glum here but was actually feeling very relaxed and content.

Goodbye Wayland's Smithy - thank you for the peace and quiet.

Back on the track again.

I was quite tempted but a quick check on Google Maps suggested a quarter of a mile was a bit of an under exaggeration. Also country pubs aren't often open in the middle of the afternoon, particularly on week days.

It started raining again, so I thought it prudent to put on the poncho. I felt a bit ridiculous wearing it but it is very weight efficient - half the weight of my raincoat, and also doubles as a groundsheet.

Farm with another drinking water point.

I don't think I actually saw another drinking water tap on the remainder of the route. I'm glad I carried plenty of water with me!

Slightly fascinated by this makeshift dwelling at the side of the track.

I think that track leads down to Bishopstone.

An appealing old gate.

Bee on a scabious.

Charlbury Hill.

I took a slight detour to go to the top of Charlbury Hill and rested there a little while.

Nearing the M4 now.

The first time I had passed anything like a pub or restaurant on the route today. I have to admit I was briefly tempted at the thought of a curry, but no, I pressed on.

The Ridgeway followed this road to cross the M4.

The M4. Not very atavistic.

Still following the road for a bit the other side, looking up to Liddington Hill.

This path followed alongside the road for a short section.

...and finally the Ridgeway left the road altogether to climb Liddington Hill.

Views as I climbed Liddington Hill.

Near the top of Liddington Hill now.

I found an inconspicuous spot to put up my tarp shelter. It took quite a while as I realised my options were a bit limited with only four pegs and four guy lines. It looks very amateurish (because it is!) but it actually did a pretty good job of keeping the rain off, and it seemed to be raining almost all night.

Cooking dinner.

Another rehydrated meal for dinner - this time macaroni cheese. It was surprisingly good.