Tuesday 10th February 2026 - Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill

We didn't have a group walk today so an opportunity for a solo walk and to go a bit further. Another dull gloomy day, walking out from home and immediately into the mizzle. The route took up me to the highest point in the Cotwolds on Cleeve Hill and as I went higher I went further into the cloud which was even wetter. As I came down the clouds also lifted and for a while the sun almost came out. Then as got back to Winchcombe it started to rain again! A good walk at 13.5 miles with 1400 feet ascent.

Leaving Wincombe on Langley lane you come to this stile right under the power lines. Down to the footbridge and back up in the corner of the field in the far distance.

The farm at Dryfield

On Cleeve Hill to the first trig point and topograph - no views today

The memorial tree

The pylons usually visible for miles but only just visibel today at close distance

The second trig point and the highest point in the Cotswolds

The long abandonded Wontley Farm. More deterioration since I was last here.

and the adjacent barn

Always a sign of better times to come

Belas Knap

Then down and to the Sudeley valley

Just a little brightening in the clouds

Waterhatch

Sudeley Castle

Tuesday 3rd February 2026 - Northleach

Another wet walk! Just 3 of us today. The forecast was for rain for the whole day and that's what happened - but it was not as heavy as predicted, mainly light rain. The ground is so wet and slippery. This wasn't a strenuous walk, just over 10 miles with 800 feet ascent. We headed towards Hampnett avoiding a very muddy footpath and then on to Yanworth, returning through Upper End and Farmington partly on the Diamond Way. A good day to test out the gear!

Northleach

Hampnett

Hampnett

Oxpens Farm

Snowdrops on the way to Yanworth

On the edge of Yanworth

Farmington with Bunker's Hill ahead.

Tuesday 27th January 2026 - Snowshill

Lots of rain last week and then Storm Chandra hit. Whilst we were on the edge of the storm there was a lot of rain overnight. It hadn't stopped when we started although the forecast was it to ease during the walk.  Very slippery underfoot and difficult to stay upright in places. And, so we had an adventure with lots of hills too. Good to finish the walk and then have lunch in the Snowhill Arms. We deserved it! 7 miles with 1100 feet of ascent

Snowshill not quite as picturesque as usual

Out towards the lavender farm.

Down through Broadway Wood

Looking towards Broadway

Kites Nest Farm

Steeply up around the Lydbrook plantation

Looking down on Broadway Court

Catkins

Top Farm on the Cotswold Way

Near the end of the  walk

Returning to Snowshill

Sunday 25th January 2026 - Northleach

With the Cleeve Ramblers, leading a walk from Northleach. Off to Farmington to pick-up the Diamond Way. Past Black Barn, Upper End, Winterwell Barn and then to Hampnett for the final leg back to Northleach. After a week when it rained nearly every day it was wonderful to have a fine sunny morning with hardly any wind. It was a bit muddy in places but everyone remained upright. 8 miles

Down through the mud on our way to Farmington.

Great to see the snowdrops coming out

The old Pumphouse at Farmington, a good place to stop for coffee

Church of St Peter, Farmington

Looking back at Farmington

The lake at Upper End

And a group photo