Home Walks Photos Archive 2005		Shipton Moyne and Westonbirt - 8 January 2005

	A lovely bright and very windy morning. Three photographers today. Thanks to Derek, John and Mike.
	There has been a terrific rainstorm as we travel to the start, but fortunately the sun comes out and the strong wind dries things up. Here the Group are assembling in Shipton Moyne.
	Shipton Moyne church tower on the skyline - dazzling conditions.
	Seeing everyone safely across the sunken lane.
	The magnificent Westonbirt House and the equally splendid walkers.
	Mike tells them some of the history of the house.
	We make our way around towards the church yard.
	The third house to be built upon the site, it must have cost a fortune.
	In the church yard we could get close views.
	It is now used as a girls school, and was at one time the home of Robert Holford, the plant collector and founder of the nearby world famous Westonbort Arboretum.
	Thanks to Robert Holford even in mid winter the trees around Westonbirt are magnificent.
	A black look from "the boys"
	We stop to view the exterior of the Elizabethan Doughton Manor House.
	Mike, our leader, setting a brisk pace!
	We cross an old stone slab stile.
	Sun and mud is the order of the day!
	At last we leave the mud behind ...
	... and make our way back to the Cat and Custard Pot, Shipton Moyne, where some of us have a very pleasant lunch.