Trip out to Winchcombe

So this weekend is Yarndale which I normally go too so keeping self busy

Had a nice relaxed am at home and then as the weather was the perfect temperature I took Luna out for a walk. 

It was tough one to take her away from her comfortable sleeping position! 

I'm very lucky to live just a short distance away from Winchcombe and over the years have visited many many times, but never fail to enjoy it. 

The bear is heavy, but SOOOO well behaved just taking in her surroundings. 

One of the grand entrances to Sudley Castle. 

Came across this lovely horse. 

Poor thing had so many flies around it's eyes. 

The last time I came on this walk, this beautiful cottage was up for sale, sadly it looks very unlived in. 

Spotted this amazing dragonfly on the road. Would never normally be able to get so close. 

Winchcombe is picture perfect Cotswolds. 

Never realised there was an independent bookshop will have to visit when it's open. 

Just love this cottage name. 

Aren't these allotments just so lovely. 

So many walks available as part of the Cotswolds Way. 

Keeping it local

I have lived in Cheltenham for 34 years and yet my adventure today which was thanks to the now King Charles III extra Bank Holiday I decided to take myself, the van and the kitty off on an adventure to a place I have driven past the sign for many times.

I have saved churches local to me that Luna loves and feels safe exploring.   So today we headed to Hailes Church which has the most incredible history.

But first I parked in the free parking and with Luna safely and happily in her backpack headed on the Cotswold Way through some beautiful countryside.

It wasn't long before I came across a campsite I definitely intend going to staying at called Hayles Campsite it is surrounded by trees and yet so close to a large part of the Cotswold Way and Hailes Abbey owned by English Heritage.

So then I set off on my planned walk. 

Luna was an absolute angel just taking in her surroundings. 

We past so many Sheep and lambs. 

My destination was an incredible monument.  Beckbury Camp C19 limestone monument sits on the edge of a hillfort. Also known as ‘Cromwell’s Seat’ it allegedly marks the spot where Thomas Cromwell watched Hailes Abbey burn following the dissolution. 

I then headed back down the hill and stopped off at the farm shop to get information on the campsite and to stock up on some local cider. 

They had 1 metre high chocolate in the shop too!

Then it was time for Luna's treat to venture into a the church. 

It has to be the oldest church I think I have been in dating back to 1135 a Norman Church. 

On the walls are paintings dating back the the 13th century.  More information can be found here.

Luna had a great time exploring. 

I loved the history this was an incredible place to visit. 

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Until next time.....

Easter Sunday walk along the canal

Easter weekend traffic is always terrible on the motorway here in the UK.  So I try and stay local and enjoy what is only 20 minutes from me and why wouldn't you when you see what there is.

If you have followed my blog for a long time you'll know I often go to WWT Slimbridge.  To get there you go over the The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.  

It is a ship canal in the west of England, between Gloucester and Sharpness. For much of its length it runs close to the tidal River Severn, but cuts off a significant loop in the river, at a once dangerous bend near Arlingham. It was once the broadest and deepest canal in the world.

I was so chuffed to see a boat named after me!! 

There are all sorts of boats along the river bank.  I loved how they managed to get so many flowers on this one. 

They also had a huge boat that was for river cruises. 

This sign was great that I came across too.  Only 34.5 miles to Bristol Cathedral! 

The other brilliant thing about the canal was the much slower pace of life.  The fact that you can just listen to nature as you walk and the people you meet who are so friendly.  

On my way both up and back I met Mike who was 70 and happily fishing this stretch of the river, which he does 3 times a week.  

He lived in a cottage nearby which dated back to 1610 with his wife who he met when he was 17 and she was 14!!! and they have been together ever since. 

He was such an amazing guy to chat to with so many stories to tell and a great fisherman.  

While I was there he caught two 10lb Seabass.  He showed me his hook and line it was so thin it was incredible the skill needed to thread it.  He also always put all the fish back he caught. 

I did a respectable 6.5 mile walk from Slimbridge along the canal and back.  As I'd parked in Slimbridge carpark I had to have a whistle stop visit!! 

The gardens were so pretty too. 

Finally I managed a tiny bit of knitting on my Son's sock in the Duck Decoy hut. 

I hope you have enjoyed your Easter and this blog. 

Until next time.....