July 16: Hay-on-Wye

A very enjoyable stroll around Hay-on-Wye with my sister. This medieval market town is now famous for its many bookshops. Happily, after decades of collecting, selling, writing or editing books, I was able to do without them for a day and did not enter a single shop. We avoided most of the tourists and concentrated on the pleasant walk alongside the Wye and the medieval buildings.

The castle with its 17th-century additions dominates the town, and looks in need of some restoration work. The parish church was heavily restored in the 19th century, but feels impressive inside. Most untouched of all is the Norman motte nearby.

Today: 4 miles
2006 total: 224 miles