Home page > Walks photos <		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Woodchester Park 6 December 2007 . Patrick and Angela's walk on an initially very wet morning attracts 10 members. The location down in the sheltered valley fortuitously is ideal and away from the gale force winds elsewhere! .
		Our walk in Woodchester Park starts in heavy rain .
		Which eventually eases giving Patrick, our leader, chance to point out ..
		The ice box - early English freezer not current American fridge! .
		Before we continue through the Park .
		On good woodland paths .
		Then heading uphill .
		To look back at the Mansion .
		Pausing at an old stone bench for coffee .
		Looking down at one of the man-made lakes .
		We follow the path along the top of the hill .
		Before heading downhill with Mike showing how to pass this obstacle .
		Suddenly there are Tamworth pigs coming from all sides as a farmer arrives to feed them .
We stand and watch .
Then head back along the path .
Towards .
The unfinished Mansion .
	With its gargoyles - sure I have seen someone like that on a walk .
	Then we head back up the hill to the cars at Coaley Peak .
	The present, incomplete Mansion at Woodchester Park replaced a Georgian country house called Spring Park, which was first built at the beginning of the 17th century and named for the many springs in the valley. The estate, which included Nympsfield, parts of the parishes of Frocester, Kings Stanley, Avening and Horsley, as well as Woodchester village, had much earlier origins and formed part of the land holdings of the second Earl of Ducie. It was put up for sale by him in 1844. Visit the website of The Woodchester Mansion Trust
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	Woodchester Park (NT) - A beautiful secluded Cotswold valley - The valley contains a 'lost garden', and a chain of five lakes thread through this delightful 18th and 19th-century landscape park. Easy to follow waymarked trails through delightful scenery. Vist the National Trust website Woodchester Park
	Photos and captions from 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.