Tuesday 28th January 2025 Bredon Hill

A walk from Ashton-under-Hill.  The forecast was for heavy rain during the walk and this was after several days of continuous rain. Not surprising there were only four of us on the walk. It was very wet and slippery in places underfoot but the forecast weather was much worse than the reality. We headed up into the clouds but on reaching the tower the clouds cleared and we could see the Malvern hills. 8.5 miles and 1000 feet ascent.

Going up with Dumbleton hill in the distance

No views just cloud

We stopped for coffee at the topograph - the tower is only just visible........

As we started walking again the cloud had lifted and we could see Great Malvern in the distance

Tuesday 21st January 2025 - Lower Slaughter

A loop from Lower Slaughter taking in Cold Aston. Foggy at first but then the sun came out. Cool and a perfect day for a winter walk. 8 miles with 900 feet ascent. 

Always a joy to walk through one of the Cotswolds prettiest places but some extra drama today as the bin lorry whilst reversing in had gone a bit too close to the edge.

A stop for coffee with the sheep

Clearing away the ivy in the woods

In the field below two deer - they were aware we there but not quite sure exactly sure where....

Going across the airstrip

Into Cold Aston - which way would you go?

Always a sign that things are going to get better

On getting back to Lower Slaughter it was good to see the bin lorry had been pulled away from the edge using the winch on a giant recovery truck.

We were joined today by James and Lucy who came with us for the first time.

Tuesday 14th January 2025 - Batsford Arboretum

A figure of eight walk going through Blockley twice. A lovely sunny cool morning - but very muddy in places. Just over 8 miles with 1400 feet ascent

Waiting to start the walk as the sun was rising

Going down to Blockley

Campden Hill Farm

Blockley

St Peter's and St Paul's church Blockley

A picnic in the church yard

A most unusual cow

Looking back at Blockley

Tuesday 7th January 2025 - Painswick Beacon

First group walk for 2025. We started from just below the Painswick Beacon. Our route took us through narrow streets of Painswick and then South before looping around to the north to come out on the steeper side of the Beacon. After all the rain of recent days there had been a light dusting of snow on the higher ground with a hard frost under foot.

We headed off towards Painswick. This is looking back at the Painswick Beacon from the golf course.

Through the narrow streets of Painswick.

After all the rain some of the paths had turned into little streams.

We looped around to the south of Painswick and then headed north and came out on the steeper side of the Painswick Beacon. Fine views from the top.

Across Gloucester with the Malvern Hills in the far distance.

Looking back down from the Beacon across to the golf course where the first photo was taken.