Just in time for the start of our walk on Sunday 18th August 2019, the rain stopped and the sun came out. As a result, 20 Ramblers and 2 guests enjoyed an 8 mile walk in sunny but breezy conditions from Eastleach, with excellent visibility allowing extensive views across the East Cotswold countryside and towards the Marlborough Downs.

The walk started beside the Victoria Inn in the centre of Eastleach, and passed by the village hall before crossing several fields above the infant River Leach before reaching Sheep Bridge, where they crossed over a country lane and continued up a steep slope before reaching their coffee stop above a picturesque wooded valley.

They then descended to the bottom of the valley before crossing a tarmac farm track and climbing the other side. The route continued along a track and passed a restored Dew Pond dating from c.1789. The walk made a wide loop across Macaroni Downs before heading to a farm track passing by Eastleach Downs Farm.

Shortly after the farm, they turned off the track and had a lunch stop at a spot with wide vistas towards the Marlborough Downs. They then continued along various footpaths on the edge of woodland until re-crossing the same lane that they crossed at Sheep Bridge. Walking along a rather overgrown path through more woodland they reached the River Leach, which in this area appears and disappears at frequent intervals.

The walk continued across fields above the river, but on the opposite bank to the outward route. They finally reached a country lane which lead them back to the beautiful village of Eastleach, where they saw both parish churches close to each other.

Passing an ancient Dew Pond

Making their way along the River Leach valley

Time for a refreshment stop near Eastleach Downs Farm

Stopping for a group photo

Making our way back through woods and fields

Back in the pretty village of Eastleach