A Tranquil Evening Walk
Geoff & Pat’s Short Ramble 9 June
It was a very good turnout for our walk and we just squeezed all the cars into the small car park. Carl, our Chairman, was pleased to announce that our application for Evesham to gain “Walkers are Welcome” status has been accepted and we are the first town in Worcestershire to achieve this.
It was a beautiful, balmy, Cotswold evening as we left the village of Snowshill, past the pub and Littleworth Wood, enjoying the views of the valley and Broadway Tower, bathed in sunlight, before turning at Buckland Wood and heading South. We joined the Cotswold Way walking down Shenberrow Hill, crossed the Winchcombe Way and headed back to the village. Along the way a large deer was spotted running down the field to find a gap in the fence.
Wendy reminded me that Snowshill was one of the film locations for Bridget Jones’s Diary when the village was covered in artificial snow for the Christmas scene.
We saw four lovely foals at the stables and Andy managed to take an excellent photo.
A few people headed home and the rest enjoyed some social time with a drink at the Snowshill Arms. The weather had been perfect and considering the downpours and thunderstorms the following two evenings we counted ourselves very lucky.
Pat & Geoff
5.5 miles
A long way there and a short way back
Geoff & Pat’s Midweek Ramble 14 June
We set out past the church at Mickleton and we were soon climbing the stoney path leading to Kiftsgate garden, home of the famous rambling rose. Roses were also blooming on the walls of Hidcote Manor and we enjoyed the varied colours and perfumes of the roses in cottage gardens on the route.
Heading south through Hidcote Bartrim and Hidcote Boyce we joined the Diamond Way leading to Ebrington. Here we turned and walked to Foxcote House and Windmill Hill where the clear air gave us extensive views over Ilmington. The Village Green was ideal for our picnic lunch supplemented by drinks from the Community Cafe.
We challenged fellow walkers to find the 11 hidden mice carved in the oak furniture of Ilmington Church by Robert Thompson then faced the gentle uphill climb to turn right through Nebsworth. It was now very hot and we were pleased that the return journey past the masts to Hidcote was much shorter and downhill through the grassy meadow to our cars.
Pat & Geoff
AM 6.9 miles PM 3.7 miles
Another lovely day in the Cotswolds
Geoff & Pat’s Short Ramble 21 June
Everyone arrived early on this warm, sunny day and it was good to see Marian here to maintain her current record of walking the furthest on Club walks at 3917 miles.
We set out from Childswickham along the brook, past the church and followed the footpath through the expanding Static Home Park. After the railway line we admired the allotment gardens with amazing soil and reached the site of the flood defences. At West End we joined the Cotswold Way and climbed the hill which was quite demanding in the heat but rewarding with far reaching views of Broadway and beyond.
We walked down to the pretty village of Buckland and saw the medieval Church of St. Michael and honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages. After leaving Buckland we went under the railway bridge and by the brook, crossing ripening fields of wheat.
We arrived back at the church in Childswickham, where the 15th century spire of the original Norman church was being repaired. The spire is a local landmark and can be seen for several miles. Our group photo was taken in front of a field of sky blue flax.
Pat
5.8 miles
A canter around Cantlow
Geoff & Rachel’s Sunday Ramble 25 June
Meeting at the village hall in Aston Cantlow, which is part of the Guild House dating from 15th century, we knew we were in for a hot walk and hoped the promised thunder storms wouldn’t materialise.
Before the 11th century, the village was known as Aston ,which is a commonplace name meaning eastern settlement. Cantlow was added in the 13th century, when the manor came into the Canteloupe family.
The morning walk followed well defined paths, including The Arden’s Way, The Heart of England Way, and The Monarch’s Way. The hot weather called for several water stops, and a longer stop was taken at Great Alne church, where some welcome shade was found. We then made our way to Great Alne Mills, taking care not to disturb a swan sitting on her nest. A stroll through the village of Walcot led us back onto the Arden’s Way to reach Aston Cantlow for lunch.
After a quick lunch, we were keen to get going again to beat the promised thunder. Heading out towards Wilmcote, Alan’s earlier comment of ‘what well maintained paths’ was soon quashed as we fought our way through long grass and barely recognisable paths to reach the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
We soon reached the tiny hamlet of Newnham, which didn’t get mains water until 1966. Here we picked up better tracks which led us back to Aston Cantlow and a refreshing, and well earned, drink at the local club (and we didn’t get any thunder!!)
Rachel
8.3 miles a.m. 5.7 miles p.m.
Just not crickets
Carl’s Evening Ramble 23 June
Thirteen ramblers plus one guest gathered at the Vale Heritage Landscape Trust barn near Lenchwick. There was some discussion on whether or not waterproofs might be needed but everybody decided not to bother which was the right decision.
Before setting out our guest rambler and speaker, Ben Rees, was introduced. Ben works for the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust and is very knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife and the work the trust is doing.
We set off along a path between the orchards where Ben explained how the orchards were planted and conserved. He also pointed out a plant that we needed to be wary of, Wild Parsnip. Similar in looks to giant hogweed whose sap can burn your skin.
Another feature of Hipton Hill, the variety and number of orchids. If a site has 50 Greater Butterfly orchids it is considered exceptional. Hipton Hill has over 3,000!!
After leaving the orchards we followed various paths towards Sherriffs Lench passing by trees planted by the Heart of England Forest. We then continued up towards the lower end of Church Lench before following more field paths back towards Sherriffs Lench.
At one point I caught sight of what I first thought was a large rabbit disappearing into the undergrowth ahead of us. It was then followed by another which turned out to be a badger. Not a sight we often come across on rambles.
After arriving back at our cars thanks was given to Ben for sharing his time and knowledge with us this evening. We then headed up to the Lenches Club for drinks before going home.
Carl
5.5 miles