Twenty five Ramblers set off from the layby at Seven Springs, on a seven-mile circular walk. The weather was dry and sunny after the overnight storm. Skirting the busy twin roundabouts on the A435 they headed up the lane towards Hartley Farm, before joining the muddy Cotswold Way to Hartley Hill. The group enjoyed some fine clear views over Cheltenham and the Malverns from a windy height of 280 metres.

Taking their time, they continued on around the escarpment above the Devil’s Chimney on the Cotswold Way. After stopping for coffee, the stony path was followed past Salterley Grange, to reach the Star Centre at Ullenwood.

Crossing the busy A436 they went up the track to join the Gloucestershire way near Cuckoopenbarn Farm. The party then followed the path past Rushwood Kennels towards Coldwell Bottom where lunch was taken on the grassy banks. From here they carried on to the small village of Lower Cobberley. After traversing the swollen River Churn below Close Farm the walkers took a path across fields back to Seven Springs.

From Hartley Hill we have excellent views of the Cheltenham area

Coffee break at the Devil's Chimney

Even more views fron Leckhampton Hill

On the Gloucestershire Way before and after lunch

Fist snowdrops as we reach Coberley