Cirencester Ramblers

Path Maintenance Volunteers set off from Gloucester Docks to continue clearance of the Wysis Way.

The recent heavy rain had caused a problem with flooding on the first section, so a short detour was made which enable us to see a herd of Gloucester Cattle, a rare breed. (Single Gloucester and Stinking Bishop cheeses are made exclusivley from Gloucester Cattle milk).

The rest of the path was well used and so relatively clear, which enabled us to walk through Highnam Woods and reach Lassington. The late Saxon tower of St Oswald's is all that remains of the old parish church of Lassington. The rest of the church was demolished in 1975. It was built to serve Lassington village, which was deserted in the medieval period.

Overgrown footpath at start of the day

John marks the way

Rare Breed The Gloucester

Path looking better

Wysis Way information

On Sunday 28th July, 28 members enjoyed a leisurely 7½ mile walk from Burford. We crossed over the River Windrush and made our way to Fulbrook where we followed a path behind the houses emerging into a lane of delightful cottages. Crossing the main road we took the footpath past the church and back to the road.

Crossing the main road again we followed a footpath across ploughed fields to Widley Copse where we stopped for a coffee break. Continuing on tracks and lanes we passed Paynes Farm, with a picturesque scene of a pond and weeping willow. On reaching Brockett's Corner we took the farm track and lane to the River Windrush near Asthall.

Following the River Windrush we made our way to Swinbrook and lunch at St Mary's Church, which is renown for its unusual 17th century monuments to the Fettiplace family; and the burial place of four of the Mitford sisters. After lunch we continued along the Windrush valley stopping briefly at St Oswald's Church to view the 14th century wall paintings, before making our way back to Burford.

Fortunately the rain cleared and the 7 ramblers and 3 guests who met to walk off some of their Christmas excesses left The Jolly Tar to walk through the village to the grade 2 listed Hannington Hall, built by the Freke Bros and used in WW2 for the training of members of the British Resistance.

From here we continued past Hannington Church, over the disused Swindon/Highworth branch line and on toward Highworth Cemetery. On exiting we continued into Highworth ( Roman Vorda, Saxon Wyrde ) past the 11th century St. Michaels Church and into the High St. a conservation area with many fine Georgian and Queen Anne buildings.

Leaving the town via the leisure centre we stopped for coffee break at the golf course then climbed Red Down followed by a long steady drop to Swanborough passing the Freke Arms and on to Staplers Lane which eventually took us back to Hannington and a welcome visit to the pub.

A footpath sign in Highworth – we decided not to take on this route

Apologies from deputy photographer to the 3 walkers omitted in our walk group photo