Following the rapid departure of the President, permission having been granted, the remaining seven set off after coffee, retracing towards Withington (home of the Basket Meal) up the Coln valley – quite splendid in the spring sunshine. At the crossroads three turned north; four took the ‘easy’ route home via Dowdeswell. The lunch crew were given a view of a spectacular Red Kite, playing in the wind, as we plodded gradually up the hill, to descend precipitously into Compton Abdale. Pausing by the crocodile to check a map and liaise with a local, it was down past the church on freshly laid tarmac. This did not last, soon we were back on a holy road which climbed gently to the A40: another splendid display was enjoyed, provided by a pair of Red Kites. Magnificent.
Crossing the A40 was easy – a spot of dual carriageway before taking an unmarked turn to descend to Shipton Oliffe and the ford. A cobbled affair but with a smooth element to the side, which was fine. Some opted for the bridge crossing.
After a small diversion to see the Reading Room, we continued north to Syreford and Whittington. The Captain spotted a low flying buzzard, three hares having a stand-off and five small deer – all in one field. Ah, spring! Then our final climb, a gradual haul, up to Ham Hill. The descent was swift and the surface good, thankfully.
Here, Tesh took command of navigation and led us a merry way through a series of back streets, cycle paths and parks, to eventually arrive at The Jolly Brewmaster – in tradition, another different way of arriving at this pub.
Home was a tried and tested route to Churchdown to end an excellent outing in the Cotswolds.
51 miles, many hills.
TW