Forest of Dean 28th November 2018

A really dull wet and miserable day for my return walk to the Forest of Dean after a break of many years. Storm Diana had passed by overnight but the forest protected us from the strong winds everyone else seemed to be experiencing. We started from a very remote spot at Bullock's Breach. (On my way there I inadvertently went past a house we were interested in after we decided to leave Wales - in the event we moved to Devon instead).

Our route took us through Blakeneyhill Woods, Viney Hill past Yorkley Slade and Danby Lodge. Lunch stop was at the Mallards Pike picnic site so at least we had a table to sit at and the new cafe was open for a hot drink. Returning on the Blakeney Greenway and over Broom Hill.

Only 8 on the walk so we moved relatively quickly.

10.5 miles 1600 feet ascent.

Gloucestershire Ramblers mid-week group.

Fog and rain behind the trees in the valley below

The forest is very hilly so you are constantly going up and down.

Mallards Pike picnic site and newly opened cafe.

Forest urchin by the picnic site

The sun finally comes out - 10 minutes from the end.

Stanway 25th November 2018

My first opportunity to lead a walk for the ramblers since joing in April. 21 in all at the car park in Stanton. We followed Cotswold Way up to Shenbarrow Hill - a steep climb which sharpens as you near the top - 700 feet in just over a mile. That was the end of the climbing - all down hill or gently undulating from here. On to the Winchcombe Way for a short while before stopping for coffee in Stanway Ash Wood. On to Stumps Cross and along Campden Lane before following the Cotswold Way to Beckbury Monunment and then down to Hailes for the lunch stop at the church. Back on the Winchombe Way to Stanton going through Wood Stanway  and Stanway.

9.5 miles 1000 feet ascent.

Cleeve Group Ramblers


Stanton

After the climb

Coffee stop....

...and then the cavalry came. They were not going to wait for the walkers!

Stumps Cross - replica

Beckbury Monument.

The little church at Hailes.

On the Winchombe Way

Wood Stanway

Stanway House and church

Final gentle climb.

Ford to Bath 8th November 2018

My final walk with the Cotswold Wardens on the Cross Cotswold Way (which runs from Banbury to Bath). A coach from Bourton on the Water to Ford for the linear walk to the centre of Bath. Through Slaughterford, Box, Batheaston, Bathford and finally beside the Kennet and Avon Canal to the Abbey in the centre of Bath.

12.25 miles 1062 feet ascent.

Cotswold Wardens








At  the start

The church at Slaughterford

Lunch in the playing filed at Box. This is Box Rock Circus a display of many different types of rock.

Bathford comes into view

Over the level crossing

To the Kennet and Avon Canal

The headquarters of the canal company built over the canal. A drovers bridge in front.

Mr Heron near the end of the walk

Alderton 7th November 2018

The monthly 'easier' walk with the Cleeve Ramblers. From Alderton to Hobails and then on to Alstone for a coffee break in the church. After this we headed off towards Dixton Hill. A very, very wet morning so the leader decided to cut the walk short and we returned to Alderton

5.16 miles and 300 feet ascent.

Cleeve group ramblers










Mud everywhere!

Coffee break in the little church at Alstone

The sun shone briefly on the return. Dumbleton Hill in the distance.

Hailes 6th November 2018

A short solo walk from Hailes on the Cotswold Way up to the Beckbury monument, on to the Winchcombe Way along Campden Lane. Returning on the Salt Way and Salters Lane.

5.33 miles 830 feet ascent.












The old church at Hailes near the destroyed Hailes Abbey.

The track on the edge of Hailes Wood.

Beckbury Monument

Looking down at the avenue of trees which run to Stanton.

The Farmcote Valley

Looking across to Langley Hill and Woolstone Hill.

Looking back over Hailes with Lidcombe  Hill in the distance.