Home page > Walks photos <		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Witcombe and Cranham Woods 13 March 2007 Patrick and Angela entitle this midweek walk 'Uphill and Downdale' - a 4.5 mile excursion on a wonderful spring morning .
		We gather in the car park of the Roman Villa at Witcombe .
		Where Patrick tries to remember why he has got a map in his hand .
		We then set off across the fields towards the lakes .
		Spotting a lone fisherman .
		Spring is definitely on the way .
		And another fisherman .
		One eye on the mud and one eye on the horse waiting to pounce .
		We walk into Witcombe village .
		Where the clock on the church tower says 10.24 . .
		And the sun dial says 10.05 .
		A quick look inside the church .
		And we walk out through the lych-gate .
		Pausing before we start the main climb of the walk .
		Past the old manor house .
		And a bit of the past .
		Looking back over the lakes as we climb the hill .
		And up the Cotswolds towards Cheltenham .
		A stop to look back .
		And a coffee break - something seems to have caught their eye .
		A good spot for a rest .
		Then it's on to the Cotswold Way .
		Looking down onto the Roman Villa - the nearest we will get to it .
		And on through the woods behind Cranham .
		Climbing steadily through Buckholt Wood .
		Hacking through the undergrowth .
Manoeuvring under fallen trees .
Periwinkles peeping out from the woodland floor .
That lot would keep a woodburning stove going for a while! .
Another woodland flower - the wood anenome .
Patrick explains the alternative paths through the woods .
As we come out on to the side of the hill we get a reminder of Gloucester's industrial background .
As well as the agricultural side - anyone for free range eggs? .
And we walk back towards the lakes .
Over a stile - courtesy of the RA - rather difficult today as there is a muddy patch to cross and a barbed wire fence to avoid .
To our car park - does viewing the Villa from the side of the hill constitute visiting it? .
At least the cars are still there and we can make our escape .
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	Photographs and captions by Richard
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	As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy getting to know the South Cotswolds. We try to keep fit and succeed in having a good old chat. If you are interested in coming with us, see our walks programme and ring the leader if you have any questions about a particular walk. After two or three walks we hope you will then want to join the group as part of the national Ramblers' Association.