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URGENT Update to "Favourite South Cotswold Walks Book One" 24 Aug 2011We thank John R Bannister for the following report of a huge ant hill which may cause walkers difficulties. The Group has reported the problem to Gloucestershire County Council and we look forward to a satisfactory solution. We are letting everyone one the update list know and hope to report progress as soon as possible. John writes: Please find below a brief report of an issue found this weekend on a walk near Dursley. Book: Favourite South Cotswolds Walks Book One Walk: Walk 12 (Dursley Woods and Waterley Bottom) Area: Ashen Plains Wood (Waterley Bottom) Grid Ref: SO 763 962 Following walk 12 (Dursley Woods and Waterley Bottom) from the Favourite South Cotswolds Walks Book One, the marked way ascends the steep field from the minor road running along Waterley Bottom through a gap in the trees into Ashen Plains Wood. From there the path meanders through the woods towards Whiteway. Problem. 20 yards after entering the woods as the path bears right ia a hugh ant hill of at least 4 feet in height. This ant hill has almost obscured the path. Furthermore, the whole area/pathway is totally infested with ants for a few 100 yards at least. I do not know what type of ants these are but I have never seen such huge ones. Issue is of course that within a short while this footpath is going to be blocked by this anthill with no way around it as the path is on a steep overgrown slope. Furthermore, any walkers with dogs and/or children are going to have real issues. Interim solution? Having looked at the map, I would suggest that the only interim solution would be to continue along the minor road and as the road starts to climb there does appear to be a second marked path into the woods (this path would enter the woods past the described problem area) - or alternately carry on along the road uphill until reaching the point where the original path leaves the woods, crosses the road and enters Whiteway. I trust this is of help Best Regards John R Bannister |