28 members and 2 visitors set off for a 5½ mile walk from Stow on the Wold on a dry sunny day, initially a bit chilly, but soon warming up, like most days in April this year.
The group left Stow on a downward track to the pretty hamlet of Maugersbury, turning right at the end, onto a quiet no through road with extensive views of green fields and rolling countryside to the left.
After 1,000 metres, we reached the busy A429 hill into Stow. The group turned left, going downhill, looking over the wall to see the ponds at St Edwards Well.
We carefully crossed the A429 and still with extensive countryside views to our left, walked along the flat drive to Hyde Mill, where a small bridge goes over the River Dikler.
After a refreshment break, we continued on the first footpath on the walk, the Heart of England Way, passing through the pretty village of Lower Swell, and continuing northwards.
Just before Upper Swell, we left the Heart of England Way, going right onto The Gloucestershire Way, crossing the River Dikler again on a footbridge and then just under a mile back to Stow.
Walking through Maugersbury
Looking south after leaving Maugersbury
On path from A429 to Hyde Mill
Pausing for a photo by the flagpole at Lower Swell
Wallking on The heart of England Way after leaving Lower Swell