Marathon effort in 7hrs 13 mins

This was the longest day so far. Hugh's pulled muscle in his thigh prevented him from running so this was a tough day's walk. He had Jose, his wife Sophie's nephew to keep him company and the pair battled on for 8 hours in total before reaching Porto for a well earned glass or two of Taylors. I was out because of a bruised Achilles tendon and can't walk so will be for a day or so more. Hugh is frustrated as he would like to be running and I can empathise with that.

The day started with a quiet forest track stretching for miles from the coastal town of Furadouro. Hugh was only able to run the first couple of miles then had to walk the remainder. Having to pass through various towns on the increasingly built up approach to Porto one wants to be ticking off the miles jogging head down but this wasn't possible. Rounding the southern bank of the Douro estuary into the evening sun was a lovely approach to Porto with wide lanes for cyclists and runners; at least Hugh was able to experience this, albeit plodding along.

Samia and I had prepared for our arrival by stopping for an afternoon glass of white Port for the past few days. Our finish point was pre arranged at Taylors and Ann Margarite, head of PR was still gamely hanging on for us as we arrived at 19.30, a few hours after our originally planned time. Hugh reclined wearily in a Iarge armchair with a glass of port, clearly not for the first or last time; with a contented sigh. He looked utterly at home, if exhausted. The port house area is fascinating, lots of impressive buildings with tiny lanes separating famous names. Oh, to be a Symington.

This was a day where grinding it out mattered. No glory of fast times but for 50 days we expect tough times and we'll certainly get 'em.