Home Walks Photos Archive 2005		Minchinhampton to Chalford - 5 October 2005

	Pictures from John and Mike.
	Richard (left) briefs us on what turns out to be a very interesting and varied walk from Hyde, outside Minchinhampton.
	Off we go, the sun shining here but foggy elsewhere.
	We meet two riders on sturdy horses, as we ...
	... set off down the lane towards Westley Farm. Bruno must be feeling the heat!
	We pause to let the postlady pass.
	Leafy tunnel going down towards the Golden Valley.
	We spot a milestone as we walk the Thames and Severn Canal towpath telling us ...
	... distances to Stroud (Walbridge) and Lechlade (Inglesham) where it used to join the Thames.
	Refreshment time by an old lock near Valley Corner. The goat looks on ...
	... "Anything for me?".
	Picturesque village in the Golden Valley.
	You need a good head for heights if you live round here!
	Passing Chalford Round House ...
	... and pausing for thought. How things have changed since the 1790s!
	View of the canal through an old bridge.
	One of the last manned crossings on the canal's successor ...
	... with a train approaching on the down line ...
	... and we wait for the dramatic moment when it thunders by!
	Meanwhile ...
	... we start the climb back up to the plateau where we started ...
	... and pausing for hazy views every now and again. 19 walkers have thoroughly enjoyed themselves this morning. Thank you Richard.
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