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 30th April 2024 - Winchcombe

Circular walk from Winchcombe. Fine day but with strong wind. Up to Cleeve Hill and back. 7.5 miles and 1000ft ascent 


Langley Lane

Negotiating the stiles

Looking back to the Sudeley valley

Cleeve Hill above the old quarries

Blossom at Postlip

Postlip Hall

A meadow of cowlips


Tuesday 23rd April 2024 - May Hill Bluebell Walk

A walk over the iconic May Hill at bluebell time with bluebells everywhere!  From the garden centre near Huntley, over Bright's Hill, through May Hill village and up to the top of May Hill. Then down to the north and back through Newent Woods to Glasshouse following the Wysis Way to Great Adam' Wood. 9 mles with 1200 ft ascent.

 Bright's Hill for a spectacular bluebell display






May Hill comes into view

A great place for a coffee stop





Into Newent Woods

Past the glamping site by  the lake

Glasshouse and this wonderful hedge - must be so much work to keep it trimmed

Castle Hill Wood and the wild garlic


Great Adam's Wood




Returning to Huntley

Tuesday 16th April 2024 - Churchill

Five of us today. Starting in Churchill and an area I haven't walked in before. Initially a loop to the north west of Churchill and then intertwing through the Sarden House estate. A bright sunny morning, warm in the sun away from the wind but much cooler in exposed areas in the wind. 7.5 miles with 700ft ascent.


The horses were there to greet us

Still muddy  in parts but the surface is drying out in the warmer windy conditions


Part of the highly manicured Sarsden Estate


It looks like this was once an important gateway to the estate.

So much work and detail in the pillars

'Dead dog corner' a graveyard for dogs on the estate.


Wonderful splashes of colour from the rape seed.

And a field with lots of circles of mushrooms


Now that is an attractive hedge.

Bluebells beside the road

All Saints church, Churchill


The Gothic fountain on the village green


Friday 12th April 2024 - Crickhowell

A circular walk from Crickhowell with the friends of Brecon Beacons group. Initially following 3 rivers up to Llanbedr and then the steeper bit up to Table Mountain. A glorious sunny warm day with spectacular views. 10 miles with 1700ft ascent.


Crickhowell

First view of Table Mountain




Llanbedr

St Peter's Church, Llanbedr

















Going up the steeper bit

Table Mountain comes into view

A bit spread out


Looking down on Crickhowell

Looking down on Llanbedr

A splendid view for lunch - across to Sugar Loaf


Looking back up