The mist had cleared by the time that 15 members started our 5.5 mile moderate walk. With the sun shining and little wind it was ideal walking weather. Setting off from Winstone we crossed fields and along a road to the back entrance to Misarden Park. Walking up the tree lined drive we admired the early autumn colours. Sticking close to the boundary we continued on a flat path until we reached Bull Banks – which was far from flat! We had to take the steps down with care as there were a lot of loose leaves and hazelnut shells on the ground – a slippery mixture.
On reaching the bottom we negotiated the stoney path up the hill on the other side. Reaching the top we stopped for a welcome coffee break before heading towards the edge of Duntisbourne Abbots. Taking a quiet road (except for the horses and trail bikes) we walked along above the village before lunch. Heading down the hill we then came to an unusual long ford. Luckily there is a path next to the ford – so we didn’t get our feet wet – a bit deep for us but the horses we met seemed quite happy. The cyclist however decided to take to the path!
We stopped to look at the old village well, before passing the impressive church and taking to field paths. Heading up through an attractive dry valley, avoiding the sheep as we went, we returned to the start. A beautiful day for a walk through woods, fields and rolling Cotswold countryside.
Lush countryside after the recent drought
The view after negotiating Bull Banks
Duntisbourne Abbots
Group photo in front of autumnal Virginia creeper along one of the fords in Duntisbourne Abbots
This spring was the original water source for Duntisbourne Abbots
At Peter’s church Duntisbourne Abbots