Walking for Softies - in the Cotswolds Part 1 Pat L spotted an advertisement for this weekend break. Before she realised it, she found herself organising a coach-trip for fourteen Happy Wanderers! The itinerary allowed for three days away, with two nights' accommodation in Swindon. Day 1 - Drive to Swindon via Oxford. The Oxford stop turned out to be 4 hours on our own in the city, with time for lunch. Day 2 - Two guided walks. Circular route from Cirencester, followed by Christmas lunch, then from Coln St.Alwyns to Bibury (near Cirencester). Day 3 - One guided walk. From Cold Aston to Northleach (near Cirencester) for lunch, then drive home. As we neared the departure date, the weather forecasters were predicting every conceivable wintery onslaught. It turned out, however, to be a glorious, if chilly, morning as we waited for our coach to arrive outside Petersfield Station. Click Here for Part 2
		From the coach park in Oxford, we made our own way towards the city's famous dreaming spires. At the head of Broad Street, we split into smaller groups to do our own things. Our party wandered down the bicycle park which is Broad Street, past Balliol and Trinity Colleges, then Blackwells bookshop. < Broad Street, known as The Broad > Trinity College glows in the winter sun
		With the magnificent Sheldonian Theatre on our right, and the unimposing Bodleian Library to our left at the end of The Broad, a little to the right ahead, Hertford College boasts an ornate bridge straddling New College Lane and coupling its two sections. < Sheldonian Theatre > Hertford College Bridge
		Passing under the bridge, we followed the narrow, twisting lane with its own collection of gargoyles and other architectural delights, until we reached St.Edmund Hall, where we peeked briefly into the quadrangle before entering the broad sweep of High Street. < Gargoyles in New College Lane > The Quad of St.Edmund (Teddy) Hall
		To the west, High Street is fronted by University College (left of photo). Queen's, All Souls and Brasenose Colleges line the other side of the road with the University Church of St.Mary towering above them all in the middle distance. Many tense hours have been endured in the Examination Schools directly opposite us. < The High sweeps around to the west > The Examination Schools
		Beside the River Cherwell (pronounced Charwell). Magdalen College Tower beckoned to us from the eastern end of The High. After a quick stroll down for a closer look, we took lunch in the 'Oldest Coffee Shop in Europe'. Returning past the Radcliffe Camera (part of the Bodleian), we separated to browse in Blackwells or to re-visit old haunts. < Magdalen College and Tower > The Radcliffe Camera in the dying sun
Shortly after arriving at the Thistle Hotel in Swindon, we had a quick freshen-up and gathered for our evening meal which, it was generally agreed, was very good. Some retired early, while others relaxed in the bar to discuss the day's events. Although there were those who unfortunately didn't enjoy a good night's sleep, we all took breakfast and set off in the coach for our first guided walk around Cirencester.
		At Cirencester, we were introduced to our Guide, Phil, and his two support Leaders. The morning walk took us first past some amiable pigs (Gloucester Old Spots or ???) which got some gooey-eyed attention from the walkers. After a short spell in open country, we entered the Bathurst Estate . . . < A brief pause - Guide Phil centre-screen > Who's that muttering "bacon rashers" ?
		. . . but not before the children started playing snowballs! We find ourselves on the Estate's Polo Lawns. What's so interesting over there? < Children will be children! > On the Polo Lawns
			It's only a Lodge - but a pretty grand one. < Ivy Lodge ^ Onwards! > Was it cold?
			Rogues' Gallery You all know who you are!
			We made our way - at length - down Broad Ride, past the Round Tower and Pope's Seat towards Cirencester Church 2.5 miles away. Are we there yet?
		Finally we reached the town. After a quick look around the church, we didn't have time to investigate the Christmas Market in the main street although we heard some of the carols sung by local childen. Then we made our way to the pub for our eagerly anticipated Christmas Lunch - with its now notorious raw roast potatoes. < Cirencester Church > We all survived our raw potatoes!
Click Here for Part 2