Geocaches - 1
Walk Inspiration - 100 Walks in Gloucestershire, Walk 59
Pubs - 2
The Romans certainly knew how to pick their spots. The OS Map shows that there was a roman villa here. Nothing visible from the ground but some Internet based research reveals the Orpheus Pavement - the largest Roman mosaic floor north of the Alps. It's been kept undercover since 1973, so I have no photos to bring you but feel free to click on the link.
We're in Stroud for the night, primarily to pick off the Good Beer Guide Pubs in the evening but first, work up a thirst. Planning was a little complicated.... Mrs M wants a good post walk Sunday Lunch and my first attempt at a route, the Star Inn at Whiteshill, met with disaster when a telephone booking revealed "we've given the Chef January off".
Instead, we start from The Old Fleece in Woodchester - 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor.
Into Woodchester proper, where there is a stunning church. Sunday morning, so we get the works - peeling bells and a congregation exiting in their finery.
Woodchester Church |
Stroud Up and Downs |
Further analysis of the map shows that the Cotswold Way must have been re-routed. Its marked further west, coming through King's Stanley and gaining the escarpment at Pen Hill.
Selsley Common - A wide open space |
Severn Estuary Views |
Cotswold Way Confusion - Have I been here before? |
With the table not booked for another 90 minutes and only 1 mile left to walk, we have time to stop off at the Bell, Selsley. A pub that welcomes walkers, provided they remove their muddy boots. In our socks, we take high stools at the bar, passing the time by not being seduced by a Wickwar Wessex Brewery Loyalty Card (I only come across their wares once a year) and counting the gins.
Wickwar Bob (drink, not person) was in fine condition.
Its a two pub walk |
Now owned by ramblers in Goretex |
SNJ - Stroud News and Journal? |
Two courses and the promise of an afternoon nap in a Premier Inn is a perfect way to end any ramble.
The Old Fleece, Woodchester |
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