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

Tuesday 20th January 2026 - Hayles Fruit Farm

A five mile walk this week from Hayles Fruit Farm, near Didbrook.  A fine sunny morning but with a a strong wind on exposed parts. We took the gentle path up towards Farmcote on the Cotswold way and then a left to the Beckbury Monument and Stumps Cross. Down to Wood Stanway. Finally returning through Didbrook and on the Winchcombe Way. 5.25 miles and  650 ft ascent

Beckbury Monument

Stumps Cross

Looking over Toddington to Dumbleton Hill with the Malvern Hills in the far distance

Didbrook

Heading to the Winchcombe Way

Tuesday 13th January 2026 - Guiting Power

Out thruough Guiting Power on the usual track which takes you up to Guiting Wood. Through the wood and on to Kineton. Then down past one ford and back up past the other, returning to Guiting Power for lunch and coffee in the Old Post Office. A dull morning with an overcast sky and always a threat of rain but not as cold as other days recently. 6.5 miles and 800 feet ascent.

 Along the track to Guiting Wood

In the woods, rather muddy in places

With a coffee stop on our own big stone

The track up to Kineton

Down to the first ford below Kineton

The second ford on the way back up....

Followed by the delivery man

Heading down to Castlett Farm

With snowdrops coming out, always a sign that things will soon change!