Home Walks Photos Archive 2005		Adlestrop and Chastleton House - 11 June 2005

	A journey of some 30 miles takes us to the North Cotwolds, where Mike and Heather lead us on a summer excursion.
	The obligatory photo in the bus shelter before we set off, aiming to visit Chastleton House this afternoon.
	Happily chatting as we walk through parkland in the pleasant sunshine.
	A luxury coffee stop at Daylesford Organic Farm Shop.
	The place is packed with happy shoppers and they do not seem worried by a group of walkers.
	We visit the Oxfordshire village of Cornwell ...
	... where we consume our packed lunches in the extremely peaceful churchyard, and ....
	... later some of us examine the inside of the church. This is the second church we have seen today - the first was the old church at Lower Oddington, with its world famous Doom wall painting, the largest in the UK apparently.
	The footpath out of the churchyard is along this fascinating avenue of trees.
	Through more parkland near Chastleton.
	Our first glimpse of Chastleton House.
	Olivia says hello to her four-legged friends.
	Chastleton House, now in the care of the National Trust, is a Jacobean mansion. We have arranged a visit months in advance.
	Fist we remove our walking boots and meet the custodian. She is only able to give us a very brief view of the ground floor and the gallery. The BBC have been there all week filming "Elizabeth I" to be transmitted next December and the house is closed to the public. Although we don't see many rooms, the introductory talk is excellent, and really explains why the house is like it is - almost a time capsule. The National Trust has not renovated it, just repaired it as necessary, and it still feels like a family home. Mike enquires about us returning next year for a full guided tour - watch this website...
	We are allowed to visit the gardens ...
	... where many of us admire the walled garden ...
	... and its luxuriant crops.
	We also see the world famous croquet lawn. Chastleton is where the rules for croquet were originally agreed.
	Heading back uphill through the avenue populated with Cotswold sheep ...
	... and downhill back to Adlestop and the journey home.