On 24th February 23 members and guests set off from the disused Chedworth Aerodrome for an 8-mile circular walk. They went across the old runway to pick up a long track south east to Queen Street. From here the group crossed the lane and continued on along the track, known locally as Horse Ash, and admired the new born lambs in the adjacent field on the way.
They soon left the track and went down through Listercombe Bottom and back up onto the lane. Here they took a coffee break on a Cotswold stone wall in brilliant sunshine. Afterwards they headed due north and then went down another track into Chedworth woods. The walkers eventually reached the road near Yanworth Mill. They went over the infant River Coln and turned south-east through fields towards Stowell Park. On reaching the gate, the party joined the lane towards Yanworth. They went up through Church Farm, where there is a Medieval Tithe barn, to the Norman Church of St Michael.
After having their lunch the group made their way up through the picturesque village and back down to Yanworth Mill. At this point they turned north-west onto a tarmac bridleway, which followed the River Coln back to the Roman Villa. After enjoying a short break for tea or Ice cream, they climbed back up through the woods and across the Aerodrome to the cars.
Much of the walk was done using the Monarch's Way- which is a 625-mile long-distance footpath in England -that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. It runs from Worcester via Bristol and Yeovil to Brighton, including a stretch from Northleach to Cirencester
Lambing has begun!
Descending through Chedworth Woods
Time for a group photo
Sights as we pass through Yanworth
Crossing the River Coln
Returning across Chedworth Airfield