Home Walks Photos Archive 2005		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Avening and Gatcombe - 14 December 2005
		The weather is overcast but a bit milder than recently for our midweek walk.
		Holy Cross Church at Avening, where ...
		... Mike gives his pre-walk briefing.
		After a few minutes we have a distant view of Gatcombe Park - the home of Princess Anne - here highly magnified.
		Most people have flower beds, around here they have tree beds!
		Coming through Longman's Barn Farm.
		Longfords Mill is currently being converted into living accommodation.
		We spend quite a time studying the interesting layout of the site, ...
		... with buildings both new ....
		... and old.
		This looks like a pair of semis converted. Not sure about the columns and pediment.
		We now have a steady climb up the valley.
		After a debate on how to cross the swollen stream we go our separate ways. Note the camera in Richard's hand as led by Jim he walks on water!
		Richard is well ahead of the game, having also crossed a stile to take this picture, whilst many of us are still having fun picking a route to avoid the water.
		Is this the steepest hill we climb up on any of our walks? Mike and Ann try the indirect approach!
		Bubblewell, a pleasant place for a breather at the top with a view back towards Longfords Mill.
		We are entertained at coffee break by a local quartet!
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		Off we go again, with Gatcombe Woods in the background.
		Down another dip to climb up into Gatcombe Farm, where we ...
		... enjoy seeing some rare breeds.
		Ahhh, aren't you beautiful!
		Head butting time down on the farm - ouch!
		All through the estate we see signs of the annual horse riding event.
		We carry on down Steps Lane, and finish up once more in Avening Village.
		John cannot resist one more photo. Thanks to John, Richard and Mike for these pictures.
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