Home page > Walks photos < Walks programme Message Board Guest Book About group walks Walks in the region Holidays photos News items How to join Contact us Footpath problems Local links Walking links Favourite Walks Books		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Forest of Dean Speculation, Exploration, Exploitation! 22 March 2008 .
		Speculation Car Park in the Forest of Dean. Patrick has prepared an interesting walk for us . .
		And we set off along a forest path that was once a railway line . .
		Patrick shows an old photo pointing out to Heather what had once been a railway junction . .
		And we pass a boundary marker dating back to 1896 .. .
		Continuing along a forest path . .
		Woods on either side . .
		Another stop to consider the area as it once had been . .
		Before heading up the valley past an old slag heap . .
		Until we reach a working drift mine . .
		Just as a trolley is being lowered down into the mine to pick up another load of coal for local households and power stations . .
		As we climb the valley we pass more old mine workings . .
		Before rounding the top of the valley . .
		And stopping for lunch . .
By the side of a working quarry . .
We continue down the valley . .
Stopping to examine another old mine working . .
At the bottom we meet the road and cross at a toad crossing . .
	Patrick draws our attention to an old tram line nearly burried in the track . .
	And we walk round the edge of Cannop Ponds . .
	Before crossing a bridge . .
	Over a fast running stream . .
	Then continuing through the forest . .
	Some discussion as to whether this is broom or gorse or both - what do you think? Now check gorse and broom. Were you right? . .
	Is this Speech Horse or Speech House? . .
	And we make our way back to the Car Park - another very interesting walk . .
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	Photos and captions thanks to Richard. .
	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.