The weather had definitely improved by the beginning of March but there was still drizzle in the air as ten walkers gathered at Andoversford.

Our route took us along bridleways to pass the golf course and then uphill to the racing stables at Thorndale. From there across fields to Upcote Farm where we stopped for a refreshment break and enjoyed the unusual garden for a few minutes. 

From there to Withington was 15 minutes walking, and passing the church we followed the walled footway going under the disused railway line. We crossed the River Coln to the far end of the village and then along the still flooded Coln Valley where a herd of deer were spotted as we climbed the hillside on a rather challenging footpath.

We crossed the point-to-point track and stopped for a lunch break in the adjacent wood. After a damp morning the sun finally appeared for our group photo and we headed for Shipton Sollars and the return route across fields to Andoversford. 

A very well manicured garden at Upcote Farm

St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Withington

A series of interesting arches under the disused railway line

Such a lot of water still around in the Coln Valley

A herd of deer were spotted in the Coln Valley

Group photo