Tuesday 24th March 2026 - Notgrove

A large group today with 13 walkers. Much cooler than it has been although the mud has dried up nicely.  Parking in Notgrove outside the Nuttery we were told in a most hostile manner that walking groups were not allowed to use the car park! Whilst we were allowed to stay there today there really was no need for such nastiness. 

Our route took us to Aylworth, alongside the River Windrush to Aston Farm and then back past Cold Aston. Nearly 8 miles with 600  feet ascent. 

Through the disused railway tunnel

 River Windrush

Gorse again!

Heading into Cold Aston

Cold Aston

Cold Aston

Back into Notgrove

Notgrove

 

Tuesday 18th March - Bredon Hill

A solo walk today and recce for another day. From Ashton under Hill to Grafton and then very gently up over CondertonHill past Shalden Farm and on to the Wychavon Way. Following this around to the tower and then down towards Westmancote. Through Overbury and Beckford Coppice where I saw the first bluebells of the year. 10.5 miles with 1200  feet ascent.

 

St Barbara's church Ashton under Hill

 

On the way up

 

The Wychavon Way

Looking across Great Comberton with Pershore in the distance

 

 

The Tower

 

Kemerton and an orchard full of daffodils

A splendid Magnolia tree

Overbury

Overbury

First bluebells in Beckford Coppice

Dumbleton Hill in the distance

Back to St Barbara's church Ashton under Hill

 

 

 

 

Wednesday 19th March 2026 - Naunton

 A superb walk on the warmest day of the year so far. Nine of us on the walk. Our route took us up out of Naunton past Hill Barn and Brockhill Farm. We returned via the ford at Lower Harford and past Ben Pauling’s Yard. Finally along the path next the River Windrush and back to the Black Horse followed by an excellent lunch outside in the warm sunshine.

Always good to see the gorse, reminds me of Dartmoor

Naunton

 

Sunday 15th March - Leckhampton Hill

Walking with the Cleeve Ramblers from Leckhampton Hill. Our route took us through Coberley, Cowley and Coldwell Bottom where we joined the Gloucestershire Way This took the huge roadworks which are part of the 'missing link'.  This will join the dual carriageway at Birdlip to the dual carriageway on the A417.  Bright and sunny at the begining but that turned to rain and cloud at the end of the walk. 7.5  miles and 800 feet ascent.

 

 

Looking down at Hartley Bottom 

Hartley Bottom 

Coberley

Sprintime!

Past the inquisitive alpacas

The sawn of branch leaves an interesting structure

The bridge being constructed will take the Gloucestershire Way over the new road. A 35 metre wide green bridge which will also allow wild life to cross the road.

 

 

The final part of the walk on newly constructed path. So new it hasn't yet been opened! 

  

Tuesday 10th March 2026 - Longborough

Longborough going through Donnington, Broadwell, Stow-on-the-Wold and Donnington. A lovely spring morning. 7.50 miles with 800 feet ascent.

 

 

Longborough

 

Longborough, we used this on the way back to clean our boots

Heading to Donnington

Broadwell

Broadwell

Broadwell - spring is springing

Broadwell

Broadwell

Stow-on-the-Wold

Surprising to see apples still on the tree in March

Longborough in the distance

Back in Longborough