southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Frocester figure of eight Saturday 8 May 2010

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		Mike ready to lead off on two flat walks around Frocester .
		Not a well walked area for us .
		I don't know why, even on a damp day .
		Lots of long grass .
		An exciting railway crossing - some cross before the train is heard .
		Others after it has safely gone .
		A visit to a nature reserve .
		Then a path by the hedge through these cows! .
		They seem very docile .
		We check everyone makes it .e Woods
		More long grass fields .
		Damp legs for some .
		These don't complain about a drop of rain .
		We reach a church .
		With a magnificently carved lych gate .
		Only to find that only the tower is left! .
		And the porchway - the stone from derelict St Peter's church was reused to help build Wycliffe College Chapel 50 years ago .
		Some paths are not much used! We have to divert through a farm gate near here .
		Looking back to St Peter's tower (left) and Frocester Fayre farm shop (right) .
		From where the George Inn obtains much of its food for our pub lunch! .
		Afterwards Mike and Heather not only point out the outside of the largest medieval barn in Gloucestershire at Frocester Court .
		But have arranged to take us on a short tour of the estate .
		We notice the pond .
		And the Tudor gateway, erected to celebrate the visit of Queen Elizabeth I .
		Frocester Court .
And the Neo Gothic cow sheds .
A real bull, safely behind bars .
And the highlight, seeing inside the barn ..
With its oak roof, 36 feet high .
Back on the walk we head to Coaley, aiming for Cam Long Down .
We are seen off by young cattle .
Luckily there is a gate .
More acrobatics called for .
A wonderful tree (or trees) in blossom, with Coaley Peak picnic site in the background .
We reach Coaley Church, with a 14th century tower .
On our return we get an odd view of the tower and Cam Peak .
Nearly back now .
We have heard that Frocester has four keen cricket teams - true so it seems - they play in the rain!
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Photos and captions from Mike

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.