Slad gets it's name from the Saxon word 'slaed' meaning damp or wet valley. It was anything but wet as seven intrepid ramblers set off in bright sunshine for a six mile circular trek around the Slad valley. We started the walk at the Woolpack Inn, once a favourite haunt of Laurie Lee and his good friend and fellow Cotswold poet Frank Mansell. From here we set off for the war memorial, crossed the busy B4070 and began the steep climb up to Frith Wood nature reserve, a magnificent ancient beech wood and site of special scientific interest. From here we started to pick up on the red arrow disks that pointed us in the right direction. Following a gentle climb under the wood's green canopy, we were reunited with the B4070 at Bulls Cross where we enjoyed fine views over to Painswick.
A little way up from the lay-by we found the first of ten poetry posts that stand along the route and are inscribed with one of Laurie Lee's poems. We left the road and began a long descent into Longridge Wood, eventually reaching the Slad Brook which at some point had been dammed to create a private lake. From the brook we climbed up to the track ahead and faced our first real challenge - a very steep and demanding 100 metre ascent to the top of the wood. Guide books warn this to be the toughest part of the walk and that you may need to stop and rest. We took on-board the advice!
After an impromptu drinks break we crossed an ancient track and walked down through the field to the ruins of the Old Shop and the beautiful Snows Farm nature reserve. A steep path through the fields led us down to Dillay Brook where we took refreshment in the shade. Fed and watered we moved on through Catswood and Redding Wood, eventually emerging onto a lane that led us to the tiny hamlet of Elcombe. It was here that the heat started to take its toll, so we decided to cut short the walk and head back to the Woolpack Inn. Every cloud...!
Had the weather been kinder, we would have continued on to Laurie Lee Wood (formerly Trantershill Plantation) and Swift's Hill. However, we decided this short walk would be an ideal midweek ramble with lunch at the Woolpack Inn, so we will be adding this to our walks programme.
Holy Trinity Church, Slad where Laurie Lee and his wife are buried
One of a number of Laurie Lee poems on the route
Quiet peaceful woodland
Group photo in the beautiful scenery of the Slad Valley
View across the valley towards Slad