Walk 05/2010 – The Cotswolds

Sunday 21st February 2010

On rising from a good nights sleep and opening the curtains, a snow covered scene greeted us. Once assembled in the dining room for breakfast (served this time by our female genial hostess) discussions took place as to whether to go ahead with the planned walk, cut the planned route, or some even thought about going straight home. Thankfully we all decided to go with the original decision and set off towards Fish Place picnic place in the village of Broadway, which lies just 3 miles from Chipping Campden. Broadway is often described as the ‘jewel of the Cotswold’ [Ed – bet you were not saying that after climbing that hill.] and lies beneath Fish Hill. The street through Broadway was an ancient ‘ridgeway’ and the main road from Worcester to London. It remains a wide street or ‘broad way’ hence the name.

We headed towards Dover Hill which is home to the Cotswold’s Olimpick games. The games began somewhere between 1604 and 1612 and have continued on and off to the present day. Once ascended it gives glorious views over the surrounding countryside.

Coffee was taken in the sunshine where we all agreed that we had made the right decision to walk, as the weather had turned in our favour.

Passing by Saintbury it was back towards Broadway and the tower, once we had climbed a very, very long and at times steep hill.

Lunch was taken overlooking the tower – an 18th C folly tower inspired by Capability Brown whilst landscaping Croome Court and built on an ancient beacon site. It has enjoyed a number of well known owners and occupants one of which was William Morris – famous architect, designer and poet.

Today the tower houses an exhibition connected with its past and the surrounding area and is cared for by the Broadway Trust.

This was my first trip away with the walking club and it was a thoroughly enjoyable, will–do–it–again experience.

Report – Sue

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – very good

Is this one of the ‘broad ways’ that we were walking along?

From Dover’s Hill.

On Dover’s Hill..

Hats my girl.

Looking over Broadway.

From Broadway Tower.

Broadway Tower.