Cheltenham

Yep, another cool start and the food for breakfast was yummy. Out hostess told us about her son...he was in the army and stationed at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. Left his kids in England at an international school with grandma as guardian. Tough on the kids, but Europeans tend to do more of that than Americans...at least it seems so to me.

The taxi was a few minutes late, but he whisked us away and we arrived at the trailhead in short order. The trail started heavily uphill through trees that bordered Lineover Wood (think old growth forest). A very pretty area, the climb was steep, and the field to the left of us was full of sheep. We had magnificent views of the surrounding area from the escarpment (think ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains). We thoroughly enjoyed the hike, stopping three times for refreshment, the first at a converted bus. It had six tables and a full kitchen. So here's the story. We were on the trail walking along a field separated from the road by thick bushes when a break occurred and I glimpsed two men eating. Not sure where they were eating as the bus was not totally visible, but a sign soon appeared advertizing the Cotswold Diner. Well, we bounced off the trail and slid into a seat to enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin (no scones). Nice break!

The second break was after Leckhampton Hill where we just missed the Devil's Chimney which was at an old quarry. This was a bistro located at a school for the handicapped and Arlene had carrot and cumin soup while I thought I was ordering a parfait, but what I got were three small balls of ice cream and a cookie. Something about English that makes it a difficult language to learn...but perhaps one day.

Our walk continued towards Crickley Hill which is the site if a Neolithic period camp. This was one of the most interesting sites along the walk. Building sites were located and I wish we had more time to explore, but Birdlip was calling us and the Royal George Hotel had all of our luggage. The day had turned out pretty warm; the end of the walk seemed inviting. So the third break occurred after Crickley Hill and at the Air Balloon. Wine and a Guinness made for an excellent break and that provided the horsepower for the rest of the walk.

The Royal George was a pleasant sighting upon leaving the woods (and me asking for directions).

Enjoy the pictures.

Dinner was sole wrapped in prosciutto and veggies with sticky toffee pudding for dessert.Read more