Winchester to Four Marks

We we got to Winchester as planned and went to the west gate for the start of St Swithuns Way. Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing marking the start. No map, no info board and no way markers! What a difference from the Caminos. So ask at the museum and got some info. Fortunately, I did have the st Swithuns pack from Hampshire county council. This included 3 illustrates maps with  written directions. So off we went and all was ok as long as we followed the written directions, checked the map and the GPX file I had in the iPhone. Overall, the written directions were mostly right, the map was a little inaccurate and the GPX file was excellent. Just as disappointing was the lack of way markets. Overall, the first impression was poor and I doubt that the person who wrote the route or made the map ever walked the route! However, the walk itself was excellent with good tracks and pretty countryside. WLked Long the Itchen, passed watercress fields and the Watercress steam railway. Planned to stop at the Bush Inn at Ovingron but they were not much interested in hikers and would not serve sandwiches as it was a Sunday!  Pity as they are directly on the path. So carried on and then stopped at the Ship in at Bishops Sutton where the welcome was very different. Clearly delighted too see some walkers and and excellent tuna roll (must have had half a ton in it) and only £4.50 compared to the £6.50 listed at the previous place. Then walked on to Four Marks and Woodsode B&B. lovely place and  just £20 a head. Unfortunately, there was no pub and only a Chinese take away, a fish and chip shop or a curry house. Guess which one we chose - yep, the curry house. Ate from an excellent buffet and had the traditional drink which is of course a pint of larger! Heading off forFarnham this morning after what will be a warming full English   Hope it is good as it is already raing and is forecast to rain all day, inc a Yellow warning! Time to get out my poncho fro the Camino.