Another lovely breakfast at Blair House with an entertaining hostess before setting off for today's 14 mile walk to Dowdeswsell Reservoir and beyond to Charlton Kings on the edge of Cheltenham.
First stop
Belas Knap ancient long barrow and then upwards to
Cleeve Hill Common, a large area of unimproved limestone grassland.
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| Belas Knapp |
Today we would reach the highest point of the trail on Cleeve Hill where the views were still hazy but we did manage to see the steam train in the distance.
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| Even the cows were enjoying the view |
Much of the trail at this point runs along the edge of the Cotswold escarpment with views over Cheltenham before dropping down gradually through the Prestbury Hill Reserve where there were reputedly six different varieties of orchid. We didn't have time to search for them all but we did come across a Roman Snail that was very big and quite rare.
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Roman Snail
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We had to walk 1.5 miles off the trail today to find somewhere to stay but just as we reached Dowdeswell reservoir we found a bungalow that served tea in the garden. The couple used to do B&B but had given that up now and just catered for thirsty walkers. It was very welcome indeed. There were a few spots of rain as we finished but they soon ceased as we walked along the busy road to
Hilden Lodge in Charlton Kings. This turned out to be a first class B&B run by Wayne and Melissa. Wayne had a dry sense of humour and Melissa was an excellent cook. We had our evening meal there and were not disappointed. It was beautifully presented and value for money. A real chance to relax in style before the longest day.
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