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.

Tuesday 23rd May 2023 - Bredon Hill

Perfect morning for walking. From Ashton-under-Hill to Westmancote. Then steeply up to Banbury Tower. Returning on the Wychavon Way then down to the edge of Ashton Wood. 10 miles with 1150 feet of ascent


Ashton-under-Hill

Dumbleton Hill in the distance


Going up the steep bit


Lunch with a view

And, what a fine view it was - across to the Malvern Hills

Going down as the cavalry came past.

Back in Ashton-under-Hill and impossible to avoid a plant stall


Saturday 20th May 2023 - Winchcombe Walking Festival from Brockhampton to Winchcombe

Co-leading a walk for the Winchcombe Walking Festival from Brockhampton and back to Winchcombe. 9 miles in total. This was the grasslands walk where we met Iab Boyd for Whittingon Lodge farm who talked about how he manages his fields and grasslands.


Leaving the coach at Brockhampton


Sevenhampton



Ian talks about his farm management.

Whittington



Wild garlic

Buttercups not rape seed


Belas Knap

Winchcombe below

Sudeley Castle




Tuesday 16th May 2023 - Sidmouth

A coastal wak from Sidmouth on a beautiful sunny spring morning. Wildflowers in abundance. Up and over Salcombe Hill and on to Salcombe Regis. Through Dunscombe and Dunscombe Coppice. Steeply down around the Salcombe Mouth and very steeply back up again. Back over Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth. 7 miles with 1250 feet of ascent.

Looking back at Sidmouth


Bluebells on Salcombe Hill


Looking over Salcombe Mouth

On the coastal path

Looking over Salcombe Mouth from the other side


The way back up

Sidmouth


Wednesday 10th May - South Malvern Hills

A dull humid day always with the threat of a thunder storms. Starting from the car park below British Camp. Over British Camp around and the edge of Hangman's Hill, south to the obelisk. Then over Midsummer Hill to Hollybush and on to Whiteleaved Oak. Further south to return over Chase End Hill and back to the Gullet. Finally returning to the start. 9.5 miles with 1800 feet of ascent. This was a recce for another day. I didn't enjoy it so will have another go later in the year.


British Camp


The Obelisk




Wonderful displays of bluebells


Midsummer Hill with Ragged Stone Hill below

Looking back down Chase End Hill

The trig point on Chase End Hill

The Gullet quarry