My Country Walks



Welcome to my new blog following my move to the Cotswolds in early 2018.

Previously living on the edge of Dartmoor I shared details of my walks on Dartmoor on my previous blog My Dartmoor Walks. As I explore this new area I will share details of the routes here.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Sunday 30th December Bredon Hill from Beckbury

34 on the walk today. Mulled wine and a mince pie at the start provided by the leader Mike and Chris. We started from Beckbury and took the track up over Conderton Hill to Shaldon Farm - almost at the top of Bredon Hill. Then along to The Belt and down through Overbury and Conderton. A misty start and cool but some sunshine later.

6.6 miles and 900 feet ascent.

Going up and well spread out.


A horse rider comes over the brow of the hill.

Disused barn

Going down

Crepuscular rays over Oxenton Hill

Christmas Lights

The Christmas Tree at Bourton-on-the-Water 21st December


Spectacle of Light - Sudeley Castle 22nd December











Broadway Christmas Lights 28th December





Sunday 23rd December from Winchcombe

Starting from Back Lane car park in Winchcombe following the Winchcombe Way past Wadfield Farm to Humbletree Cottages. Returning via Waterhatch and the Castle. A mild morning and very muddy in places under foot.

6 miles and 700 feet ascent.



Very muddy - you quickly gain a few extra inches in height.

Waterhatch

More mud

Sudeley Castle

Wednesday 19th December - Stonehouse


A longer more challenging walk from Stonehouse starting by the railway station we followed the Cotswold Way for a while. Through  Randwick and up into the woods. A coffee stop with mulled wine provided by the leader David. Then  through Standish Woods to Shortwood and the topograph. Along to Haresfield Beacon. Back through Oxlynch and past Standish Hospital which closed in 2004 - still with curtains hanging and some hospital furniture inside. Finally a loop over Moreton Hill and back to the start

11 miles 2500 feet

Gloucs mid week ramblers 16 in total

Coffee stop with...

...mulled wine


The low mid-day sun through the trees in Standish Wood

The topograph

Haresfield Beacon


A much zoomed in view of the new incinerator next to the M5


Down and up again

May Hill in the far distance and the incinerator

A very old Citroen van

Standish Hospital closed in 2004