My first outing with the AAC in the west of England. A bit of a trek down the border and across the Severn to get there, but it was an opportunity to meet a new group.
I had picked up the details from the newsletter, but all I knew was the meeting point and a vague outline of the walk. I was in the van so set off early so I could find alternative parking if there was any obstacles or space issues, however this also helped where the idiot box took me down all the narrow lanes on the most direct route in for the final 10 miles.
All parked up in the shade - a bonus - and met up with the other eight people on the walk.
Apparently this is prime tick country so I was glad I had long trousers on - originally to fend off nettles, but more effective on ticks.
Out on the bridleway away from the car park along a wide cut swathe then down the road into Sapperton.
Leaving the village along Macmillan way, only to find that there was a horse endurance ride on-going, with riders passing every five minutes or so.
After a section under the trees of The Leasowes wood the track opened out into parkland opposite Pinbury Park house and grounds
We left the Bridleway (and horse riders) looping around in front of the house and down a track to the river Frome.
Crossing the river and climbing steeply up the far side through the trees of the wood there.
The path then entered aa number of close cropped grass fields leading up tot eh polo fields of Gloucester Beeches
Down the side of the polo "pitches" and across more grass fields to the combe opposite Edgeworth manor.
Down beside this "private" house (lots of signs to keep out but a bridleway through the grounds!).
Down through the woods and back to the river Frome.
On the far side climbing again up through Knightswood Common to a back road that led back down to the river.
Over the river and up the other side to a driveway to valley farm. Apparently the crop fields were very high along the river bank and this was an alternative.
The path left the drive and dropped to the river bank an followed the twisting meadows.
A steep climb up the fence line led back across the driveway and continued up into the woods above Valley farm.
T
he farm nestled below the skyline.
Now heading back along mown swathes of grasslands to reach farm buildings on the outskirts of Edgeworth village.
Across a combe (by a contour route) back to the manor and church.
Time for a lunch break at the church in the shade, and a quick visit inside to see the Norman and Saxon architecture as well as the named pews.
Returning across the combe to the polo fields.
Staying on the top of the slope and not returning to Pinbury Park we followed the hedge line
Then over a harvested field, before dropping down into Dorvel wood.
The track here contoured around above the river until it crossed Dane lane.
Just above Daneway house we crossed into Daneway banks reserve, although we did not see any of the blue butterflies it was created for.
Leaving the reserve and dropping down the road to the river Frome beside a pub. This crossed the site f the Thames and Severn canal (now disused) and before it goes into the canal tunnel (again blocked).
We followed the road towards Sapperton as it climbed up until we could follow a path into Sapperton wood.
Eventually coming out at the car park.
Time for a thankful drink of my stash in the fridge - one of the benefits of taking the van!
