Leg 2: Ashton to Abbots Leigh

It is a curious thing that the attention of those we passed should be drawn not to the fine figure of Miss Sarah sporting a rather arresting blue wig, but to the outfit of our four legged friend.

At just past noon, we found ourselves descended into a very steep valley, our passage stretching toward Long Ashton and the estate beyond. I confess this side of the country was much pleasanter, due in part to the more clement weather and the pleasing array of snacks we had packed for the day.

Having filled ourselves with hot sweet tea and nutty biscuits we travelled across country to arrive at Ashton Court Estate, mercifully without encountering any wildlife or farm stock that threatened to murder and devour us for I had not the least inclination to revisit the horror of the horse crossing encountered earlier on our journey.

On arriving at the lodge, we found ourselves in the midst of many walkers; marching lustily forth with infants in tow and dogs at heel. Miss Sarah had the notion to carry the money box alongside us so as to communicate to passers-by that we were open to donations, not only increasing awareness of the cause we so heartily support.

Curiously, we began to notice that a great many of the folk passing us by were moved to comment on Brock; admiring the manner in which he was dressed and complimenting the way in which he had added a certain ‘grubby panache’ to the hitherto white garment he had been compelled to wear.

At one particular point in the day, while we rested for a short moment at the Court Café, I shamelessly seized upon the obvious opportunity that such admiration bestows and began a discussion with two splendid folk who had been drawn to marvel at Brock. On learning about our cause, they proceeded to place several pounds in the box and wished us well with the remainder of our journey, thus proving that it pays to have a furry, if not entirely elegant, companion at your side when attempting to attract attention and seek conversation with persons who would not ordinarily be moved to speak with you!

And here's our route: http://gb.mapometer.com/walking/route_2650853.html