Curly's Capers

I finished at Cooper's Hill ( Click on Trees and Cheese in the labels for more info) , having started out at Birdlip , walking the Way ; a distance of three miles and what a pleasure it was. Starting at the top of Birdlip Hill (one in six) ; which in my youth I "hurtled " down on my three speed bike , the walk meanders in a loop like fashion amongst woodland. The sun was shining brightly and there was a striking dappled effect through the leaves (see picture on the right). It was pleasing to see young saplings together with mature trees and evergreen conifers upon the route which was almost three miles in length - a true woodland walk. The other picture shows the view above Witcombe Reservoir and I think this demonstrates one of the features of the Way , namely that it is always a question of perspective ; for I was aware of this reservoir but until I ventured on this track , I had been unable to see the true beauty of the water , in the context of the surro...

These two shots were taken at the top of Tewkesbury Abbey. It was a clear Sunday with stunning views across the county. Further pic and info regarding this Abbey can be found at my posting 24/11/'08 by clicking on Tewkesbury Abbey on the Labels Bar. I have just finished reading " The Vanishing Face of Gaia. A Final Warning " By James Lovelock. Pub. Allen Lane 2009. It is a no-nonsense account of probable future events . In his own words ; " Our Goal now is to survive and live in a way that gives evolution beyond us the best chance " (page 6) James , it was , who formulated the theory of a self-regulating Earth (Gaia) which works to keep a habitable planet species in a flourishing state , but at the same time set back those species that foul the environment. Click on Gaia on Labels for previous entry "Jurassic Coast goes 3D " He believes the best indicator of temperature warming is the rise of the sea level which in 2007 rose 1.3 times as fas...

I have just completed the Leckhampton to Birdlip leg. The walk is 5.6 miles in distance ; which has taken me four outings to compete. I mention this , because recently reading a National Trails guide I noticed that the Cotswold Way trail had been reduced to a weeks' walking and furthermore on the last day ( Cold Ashton to Bath ) a mere 10.2 miles , the writer said that this could be accomplished in the morning , leaving the afternoon free to view the sights of Bath. I clearly concluded my level of fitness has some way to go to meet these requirements. Back to this stage , which I didn't enjoy as much as some walks on the Way . Leaving the Leckhampton escarpment and coming down to meet Hartley Lane the Way seemed to lose some of its character in that the route was fenced in with no provision of benches or resting places until one reached Crickley Hill Park so that one felt compelled to stroll on , rather than savour the landscape and take the odd repast. There was als...

On my latest walk along the Way I ventured from Dowdeswell to Leckhampton Hill . It was only supposed to be a short walk (4.7 miles) but it turned out to be one of the most strenuous as it climbed up to the escarpment overlooking Cheltenham. The view from Pic 1 was taken from a welcome bench , situated at the top of a steep climb. The great thing that I am discovering from walking the Way is that exertion always brings compensations. None more than this walk where the views from the escarpment were stupendous. The wildlife to was varied and numerous. Picture 2 shows one of the lovely butterflies seen on the walk. Near the beginning of the walk was Lineover Wood , one of the woods managed by the excellent Woodland Trust . Here were left on stiles poetic couplings along the route. According to my guide book they were written by Tom Clarke , who has also left messages in the woods of Penn and Coaley. I am trying to find out more regarding Mr. Clarke , who at this present time seems as ...

Just finished the leg from Dursley to North Nibley. As you can see from picture ( 2 ) the signposts are in a very tasteful green and gold . Furthermore upon entering Dursley , you can read the legend Dursley Historic Market Town on the Cotswold Way. Excellent ; another town with pride. Picture (1) shows the view from Stancombe towards North Nibley , with the iconic Tyndale's Monument see ( Way ahead 30/6) on the skyline The walk , was well marked and included a good contrast in uphill and downhill walking. Even the 'bus back to Dursley was on time. A good outing indeed. Ciao4now Ck. NP. "Rio" by Michael Nesmith (of Monkees fame ) It just makes you feel good.

Pitched up yesterday at the Cheltenham Cricket Festival; found out who we (Gloucestershire) were playing against (Northants ) and made my way into the ground. I try to go once a year , in order to maintain the social law , stating that:' If one wishes to sleep in the sun in a field , then watch cricket ' However , that plan failed , on two accounts : 1 - temperatures were on the low side ( 18/19C) and there was a constant threat of sharp rain showers. 2- too much action upon the playing surface ; wickets were seen to tumble ( 15 in the day's play ) , eleven of which transpired during the afternoon session ( 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.) that I saw. The usual modus operandi , when entering a cricket ground is as follows. Select your seat affording a view in the general direction of the pitch. Sit and wait to absorb the rhythm of the game and realize that nothing much is going on. Wait again and realize that really nothing is going on. Open your morning paper and check the obituarie...

Have just concluded the stretch of the Way from Cleeve Hill to Dowdeswell . Cleeve Hill is the highest point of the cotswolds at 1083 ft. or 330m. Source ' Wikipedia ' The views , this day were clear with high visibility ( see Picture 1) , where you can see , nestled in the valley to the west Cheltenham Racecourse. The waymarking was generally good , with posts to guide you to the summit and trig point. However , when the path left the common , there was an area of doubt as to which right hand route to take into the woods. The matter was resolved at the bottom of the slope with a friendly post , by the gate ; but it had created a few moments of anxiety in this walker's mind. Further on in the journey ; navigation became quite a problem when reaching the quarry (see Picture 3). The first shock was noticing the fly tipping of tyres , rubbish and even a burnt-out car; which after the beauty of the walk was quite an eye-opener. After reeling from this outrage , one looked ...