Walking for Softies - in the Cotswolds Part 2 Our first morning walk was quite long at 4.5 to 5 miles, and some of the party felt an afternoon in Swindon - shopping. just relaxing or whatever - was more to their liking after their 'surprise' Christmas Lunch. So, while some of us went off to do another country walk in the afternoon, the remainder returned to the hotel. So, on to our second walk . . . Click Here for Part 1
		Coln St.Aldwyns was our starting point, just a few miles from Cirencester. After a brief look around the village our route took us alongside a typical Cotswold river meandering through the lush green countryside. Two pairs of swans were sitting close to the peaceful river away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. < A typical Cotswold river > Please do not disturb!
		The swans weren't troubled by the sticky mud we had to squelch through and carry along as it glued itself to our boots! Leaving the riverbank and approaching Bibury this little corner with its en-suite dovecote made an attractive picture. < The beguiling river hides muddy banks > A tiny corner of Bibury
		The good people of Bibury enjoyed an unexpected boost to their sales of tea and mince-pies when the group stumbled into their Christmas Fayre just as it was closing. The mud, however, was still clinging to everyone's boots when they returned to the coach, so the latest in fashion footwear was supplied free of charge by Kevin the driver. < The Swan Hotel, Bibury > How about that footwear then girls?
	The evening meals at the Thistle Hotel were excellent. For our second evening we ate in a different room furnished with large round tables and decorated with huge Christmas trees. From the faces here, you'd never guess that we were all good friends on holiday together - too many smiles! Apologies to Haydn for chopping his face off, and to Jackie and Leslie, hiding. < The final evening meal together
On Sunday morning, we had to choose between a visit on our own to Bourton-on-the-Water or the scheduled 4 mile guided walk. First, the visit to Bourton by those of us who chose that option.
		Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the tourist attractions in the area, so visiting at the end of November in grey weather is probably the best way to see it, with relatively few visitors around. We were able to stroll at our leisure along the river, crossing to and fro on the many bridges, taking in the unusual sight of an illuminated Christmas tree in mid-stream! < Autumn leaves and Cotswold stone . . . > . . . and river with seasonal decorations
		Still more bridges to cross and the amusing spectacle of fifty or so ducks up-ended while they hoover up their food just sprinkled into the shallow water. Then off for a cup of tea, coffe or magnificent hot chocolate topped with a spiral cone of whipped cream (!) before it's time to race back to the coach. < One more bridge . . . > Bottoms Up!
		The guided walk took us from Cold Aston, once again not far from Cirencester, to Northleach. The rolling countryside made for good walking, even for those who normally flinch at the mention of hills! < Come on Phil, what's keeping you? > Hay bales / rolls still in the fields
		During our walks we passed many dry stone walls which are so characteristic of the Cotswolds, as are the mellowed stone buildings from the past such as Hampnett Church. < A typical dry stone wall > Hampnett Church
We were collected from Bourton-on-the-Water, or arrived in Northleach on foot for lunch. Northleach is a charming little town concealing a great deal of history, without being over-run with tourists. Henry III granted Northleach its Market Charter in 1227, allowing it to hold a weekly Market and annual Fair. Although the Fair is still held each year, the Market is long gone. The wool trade played a major part in the history of the town and the wealth of its citizens. High quality wool from the local Cotswold Lion Sheep was exported to Europe between 1340 and 1540. Later the town became a staging post on the road from London to Gloucester. Alas we had time only for a brief look after lunch, before making our way back home.
		For many years Northleach suffered the A40 running right through it. Thanks to the by-pass it has once again recovered a sense of calm, although that in turn has caused a drop in passing trade. All around, however, are signs of its prosperous past. < The Market Charter > Northleach High Street
		There is much of architectural interest around the market square, including this half-timbered building, upper storey currently available for letting. The wool trade brought such wealth that the merchants restored and extended the Church to the extent it became known as 'The Cathedral of the Cotswolds'. < Mediaeval Do it Yourself ?? > Parish Church of St.Peter and St.Paul
		A new prison was built in 1790 (now the Heritage Centre where we picked up Phil). It was such an advance on earlier concepts it became a model for future prisons here and in America. Was The Old Lockup its pre-cursor ? < How did these two escape? > Or these, to sneak a dessert after lunch?
Everyone who went to the Cotswolds on this trip agrees we had a most enjoyable time. We were extraordinarily lucky with the weather - had we travelled two days later we may well have become stuck in snow-drifts during a blizzard! And we were all still speaking to each other when we got back! Many thanks to Pat - for her idea, and for following it up on behalf of us all. Click Here for Part 1 We look forward to many more similar events.