Photograph Gallery Stage 59 Painswick to Dursley : Walking Englishman's 1000 Mile Walk

Photograph Gallery Stage 59 Painswick to Dursley

Posted by Mike on Monday, September 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Photograph Gallery Stage 59 Painswick to Dursley, Friday 22nd July 2011

The Story:

After being lost in the woods yesterday I emerged into the light and enjoyed another tremendous day walking on the roller coaster that is the Cotswold Way. And as it was on Wednesday I enjoyed thrilling widespread views along the trail; all in all it was a very special walking day.

I set off early from Painswick and by 9.00am I had already covered two miles, gained height and walking into woodland near Stockend, on my way to Haresfield Beacon. The woodland was not as uninspiring as yesterdays, being at greater height and I knew I wouldn’t be in it all the time. After a mile and a bit I emerged from the trees, then WOW. What a view! The whole of the Severn Estuary straight ahead of me. Incidentally the tide was out. The south Welsh mountains beyond the estuary. The Stroud District closer was in view too, swathes of fields everywhere, all different colours of green with yellows too, and meadows of rich summer flower making the most beautiful and natural patchwork for me to feast my eyes on. With the rains of the last few days at bay and glints of sunshine it was awesome. I was so thrilled and a mile later I was to get a second helping at another viewpoint on the ridge to the south east. Brilliant.

In ecstasy I walked through Standish Wood and in the woods I met two ladies with two very polite young gentlemen of about 9 or 10. One of the youngsters, on seeing my backpack asked “Do you know Scafell Pike?” I told him I did and be replied “My mummy is climbing it next week” Mum went on to confirm she was and when she told me she was going from Borrowdale I told her that in my opinion it was the best route. She was pleased to hear that and we parted company with a smile. Then as I was leaving Standish Wood I met a lady called Abbie who told me all about the town of Stroud which we could clearly see. We had a good long chat and during the conversation she mentioned she was from Thirsk. It’s a small world.

(The meetings and the conversations I have had and will continue to have add so much richness to my journey)

From Standish Wood I descended to King’s Stanley and then headed through Stanley Wood to Coaley Peak where I had yet another WOW of a view. Now I could see further down the Severn Estuary and I could clearly make out the Severn Bridge. I took a rest nearby and while I did I watched gliders from a nearby flying club being pulled into the air by a light aircraft. I also saw Red Kites take off from below me to glide higher. They didn’t need any help getting aloft.

The final section of my walk was no less exciting as I lost height to Hedgecombe Farm where I enjoyed two more lovely brief conversations, the first with the farmer who enquired on my accent and the second with a gentleman coming off the rounded hill of Cam Long Down while I was ascending it. We spoke about walking poles, dodgy knees and the beauty of Great Britain. Then I continued my steep but thankfully short climb of Cam Long Down which provided me with an aerial view of Dursley, my destination today and of Stinchcombe Hill, my first ascent tomorrow. Before that though I will contemplate on the thrill of today.

Meandering Mikes Daily Marks:

Scenery: 9/10 – Just divine.

History: 5/10 – Passed close by some ancient long barrows.

Interest: 8/10 – Never bored, great views, diversity of scenery and fabulous meetings with people.

Track: 8/10 – Generally very good but one sign pointed directly between two tracks.

Comment: A lovely day out.

The Photographs:

Leaving lovely Painswick

Full of leaf

Into the countryside

It looks like I am going to have a wonderful day

Ripe Rowan Berries

Leafy lane near Jenkin's Farm, Painswick

55 miles of my Cotswold Way journey to do.....

....and 47 done

Beautiful Gloucestershire countryside near Pitchcombe

Sign to Haresfield Beacon on Scottsquar Hill

Rudge Hill Nature Reserve

A final look back to Painswick from Rudge Hill

Cliff Wood on Haresfield Hill

Near Haresfield Beacon

Aircraft flying over Haresfield Beacon (Strolling Steve would know the type)

The view west from Shortwood Topograph to the Vale of Berkeley

The view from the Topograph to Standish Park and Standish Wood

Another great view, this one from Shortwood

A walk through Standish Wood is my next journey

I go right from here

Beautiful colours and shapes in a sun penetrated Standish Wood

Standish Wood

Looking from Doverow Hill to my next escarpment beyond King's Stanley

Unusual gatestile near Doverow Hill, just west of Stroud

Railway bridge at Ryeford near Stroud

Sign over road bridge at Ryeford School near Stroud

Disused Stroudwater Canal at King's Stanley

Plenty of routes to choose from on Woodside Lane near Leonard Stanley

Stanley Wood

Out of Stanley Wood near Sandford's Knoll

Information board at Nympsfield Long Barrow

Nympsfield Long Barrow

Today's viewpoints were amazing, this one is from Sandford's Knoll

Information board and view near Buckholt Wood

To Coaley Peak and Frocester Hill

River Severn 9m, Brecon Beacons 50m, Black Mountains 40m and Forest of Dean 12m were just some of the incredible things to see from Frocester Hill.....