Day 2 – Officially listed as 12 miles; We walked 15.3 miles ( Hotel was a mile from the trail, major construction in Alresford forced a long detour to get back on the trail, & we lost the unmarked trail a couple times forcing us to backtrack).

We started our day with a proper English Breakfast minus the sausage.

When leaving Alresford, I saw these two people. This was Polling Day & they were the voting officials at the door.

This area is also known for its old railway called the Watercress Line which still uses steam locomotives. The line gained its name when it was used to transport watercress grown in this area to markets in London. This train # 35005 is an SR Merchant Navy Class “Canadian Pacific” engine built in 1941. Despite regularly being able to travel at over 100 MPH which was very fast for a train back then, only 30 of these engines were built. We heard its classic steam train whistle blowing in the distance announcing its presence before we were fortunate to see it pass by us.

Unlike the Camino in Spain, we almost never meet other pilgrims here; but, occasionally we do meet other walkers who are happy to snap a picture for us. Even though England has thousands of miles of public footpaths & walking is extremely popular among locals, we have met very few people so far on our trek.

Today’s route took us through pastures & woods, by more thatched roofed homes, & through fields with spring lambs.

We enjoyed a quick lunch in a field with some sheep.

Final push into Chawton.

After over 6 hours & 14 miles, we reached Jane Austin’s home in Chawton which is only a mile from Alton where we stay tonight.

The Greyfriar pub is right across the street from her home.

Before walking our last mile to our hotel in Alton, I enjoyed a proper cup of afternoon tea in a china teacup. 🥰

This tea house across the street from Jane Austen’s home right next to the Greyfriar is called “Cassandra’s Cup” after Jane’s sister Cassandra. In 1804, Cassandra Austen became the first person known to mention “afternoon tea” in writing.