southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Sweat First, Steam Later Toddington to Winchcombe Thursday 31 December 2009

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		Black Prince getting some steam up for the first trip of the day .
		But Patrick explains that we have got a bit of walking to do before we can take a ride .
		So we set off across the railway ..
		Via the bridge .
		And follow the track .
		The train soon passing us .
		As we head into Didbrook .
		Walking through the village .
		Past the church .
		Before a muddy gateway slows us down .
		Then we toil up a greasy bank .
		Spread out trying to find the easiest route .
		With regular stops to admire the view .
		Congregating at a gateway .
		Before the final push to the top of the hill and coffee ..
		Climbing over for the day we walk along the top of the hill .
		Plenty of signs to guide us on our way along the Cotswold Way .
		As a tractor moves menacingly towards us .
		Looks like someone nicked the wheels from this barn and left it on the stones! .
		We continue past a farm .
		Exchanging some seasonal banter with a couple of horseriders .
		Easy going now along the hilltop .
		With views down over Toddington .
		And a newly planted avenue of trees .
		An ancient boundary marker - and a chance to look back at what was a prehistoric encampment .
		The route takes us steeply downhill .
		Across open fields .
		A chance for deep thought .
Eventually picking up a wide track taking us to Hailes Fruit Farm .
Where Olivia takes on the job of plastic bag monitor .
Distributing bags provided to cover muddy boots .
Before we go inside for lashings of soup .
We gather refreshed for the final part of our walk .
Passing Hailes Abbey ruins .
Then joy of joys a succession of muddy fields .
Of varying degrees of consistancy and depth .
Bring us to Winchcombe Station .
Which is to be our home for the next hour .
Some prowl up and down .
Some sit down .
Some take the opportunity to show off their Christmas presents .
As they adopt varying poses with the background of the station .
The station sign a reminder of the season .
As we look down the track .
Not long now - they have put the station lights on for us .
And soon we are in the festive train heading back to Toddington .
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 Led 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 Ramblers.