Curly's Capers

As promised , here is a picture of one of the excellent Wotton Under Edge blue and white Cotswold Way waymarkers . They really are the cream of the crop and show the right spirit , when celebrating a National Trail whose route takes you through its Town Centre. On your behalf , dear reader I raised a glass of ' Youngs ' in a local Wotton hostelry as a vote of thanks for this public demonstration of support for the W ay . I made my first incursion into "enemy " territory . I took the precaution of donning my flat cap , thus avoiding the negative reaction the woolly hat might bring with its possible connection with 'eco -warriors ' those 4 by 4 snatchers so disliked in this region. I teamed the cap with a pair of yellow cord trousers , so beloved by the polo watching fraternity and felt reasonably safe in this environment. I saw peasants working with tractors ( new registrations naturally) in the fields and thought at one point I heard the audible sounds...

The great thing about walking at this time of year is the variance in the views afforded by the changes in the weather. I took this picture this week on Monday ( 10/11 ) of the mist enshrouded Cam Long Down; whereas the previous Monday , you can see the photo taken from the viewpoint of looking down from the edge of Cam Long Down , showing a vivid clarity , depth and brightness. What a difference a week makes ! The rest of the walk to Dursley was interesting for two reasons. Firstly , the appearance next to the Way of a new build " mushroom " shaped house ; with an integral garage underneath the "cap". I'm sure it had many green features ; we'll have to ask Loyd Grossman to investigate further. Secondly , it is amazing how the town of Dursley lies neatly in the valley ; thus, one can , in a matter of minutes climb out out of the town centre and be literally on the Way deep in countryside with corresponding views to match. In terms , then of the Walk I...

The Road Goes Ever On and moving forward from Coaley Viewpoint I made it to Cam Long Down . On the way , I walked down a " tunnel " formed by trees and a path bestrewn with a bed of autumn leaves. It is in moments like this that one feels almost a tangible part of the environment. (see Picture 1 ) Whilst in these woods , I came across further examples of Tom Clarke's work , whom I mentioned in my last posting. Picture 2 shows one of his cards. It should be noted , that this is a much enlarged version ; their actual size being that of a postcard , which fits easily to the side of gates , marking the boundaries of the woodlands . They are entirely unprepossessing and almost certainly overlooked , by the majority of the walkers who pass by along the way. To me this non-intrusion , only adds to their value , as little items on the forest trail , no more or less important than a leave , twig or flower. My walk ended , as indicated at Cam Long Down , which require...