06/01/19 - Woodchester and Selsley Common

Distance - 4 Miles
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 is famous for its five valleys, so we know we have stiff climbs today.   Its a lung buster up to Lagger Lane to pick up Dingle Wood.

Stroud Up and Downs

Our aim is Selsley Common.   I am amazed that I have not been here before - its a wide open space, with super views overlooking the Severn Estuary.   I've walked extensively in the Cotswolds  - which causes maximum confusion when I see a sign for the Cotswold Way.   Mrs M no longer believes me when I say I walked this route in 2007, my first Long Distance Path.   She thinks I spent 6 days in the pub, which is not beyond the realms of possibility.

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

Downhill all the way now on sunken paths, where you can use your imagination to consider if they were once walked by Italian legionnaires in sandals.

Now owned by ramblers in Goretex

Back at the the Old Fleece, Woodchester.  Still 30 minutes before our estimated arrival time.   It's some sort of Pub of the Year, but we're not sure who provided the accolade.

SNJ - Stroud News and Journal?

Its a Grade II Listed building and been running as a coaching house for 250 years.  It's still popular and booking is advised.   The Sunday lunch was spot on.  Otter Amber not quite so praise worthy.

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