My Country Walks

Tuesday 26th August 2025 - Stratford

From the Rosebird Centre near Stratford-upon-Avon. Following Shakespeare's way alongside the River Avon to Western on Avon. Then on to Welford on Avon with its magnificent Mayday Pole (this was erected in 1967 and refurbished in 2003). Returning on The Greenway, a cycleway and walking route on a disused railway line. Finally going past the racecourse to the edge of the town center. The temperatures were a bit hotter than expected. Just over 10 miles and a fairly flat walk.

Alongside the River Avon with the Marina on the left

The old railway line which is now a footpath and cycle path. We returned on that path.

The weir

May Day pole at Welford on Avon.

Weston on Avon

Stratford racecourse

The edge of the town centre

Tuesday 19th August 2025 Gotherington

8 miles from Gotherington, Initially going up towards Nottingham Hill, then around behind the Prescott hill climb. Over Stanley Hill to Stanley Pontlarge. Returning on a lower level path.

Stopping to admire the view over Gotherinton.

The exit from the Prescott Hill climb

No entry to the track - Prohibited area!

Past the 'Drover'

St Michael Stanley Pontlarge - celebrating its 850th year.

Weaving under the railway line

Friday 8th August - visit to Clifton Suspension Bridge

A very interesting coach trip with the Winchcombe Probus group to the Clifton suspension bridge, Vaults and the Observatory. Good to have a coach take the strain for a change! Our group were given a fascinating insight into the building of the bridge which was designed by Brunel. This was followed by a visit to the vaults below the tower on the west side of the bridge. These were only discovered in 2002, prior to that it had been assumed the base was completely solid. What a find! Huge cavernous vaults with stalactites hanging from the top. Afterwards a opportunity to visit the nearby Observatory with the camera obscura and museum.

The vaults - only discovered in 2002

Stalactites

Tuesday 5th August 2025 - Cut Hill and Fur Tor

Back with the Dartmoor group for the annual walk to Fur Tor. This year starting from Postbridge. A linear route today through some of Dartmoor's most remote areas. Cut Hill and Fur Tor are the most remote part of Southern England Several years since I last did this route and it was really good to do it again. A most enjoyable walk with a cool fresh breeze.