You know you’re in for a memorable Brunel walk when half of the group heads immediately in to the nearest café upon arriving at the car park. This was how it began on a recent walk in the Cotswolds. After making use of the free public toilets, of course!
From Crickley Hill County Park, we were greeted with wind gusts in excess of 40mph. Once some had finished their teas and coffees(!), we set off along the Cotswold Way, following in Jenny’s lead.
It wasn’t until we were following the Gloucestershire Way, to the east of Crickley Hill, that we would begin to escape the onslaught of the very strong breeze. Jenny did well to locate a couple of sheltered stopping points.
We rejoined the Cotswold Way on the final climb up to Leckhampton Hill – if anyone would like to own up to painting the trig point in near-Scandinavian decor, please do get in touch as it’s a mystery that even Google cannot resolve. With the return of the wind, we discovered familiar views overlooking Cheltenham, towards the Malverns and more. ‘Same but different’, as Mr. Miyagi may once have said. From another viewpoint, we stood to admire the Devil’s Chimney; a pillar-esque limestone rock formation of uncertain origins.
From the car park (the first I’ve seen with parking meters that accept contactless payment) we completed a short drive to The Air Balloon… A pub at risk of future road development. Bedazzled bar staff were kind enough to seat all nineteen of us in a private room. Only one person ordered a roast dinner ahead of the drive home – I wonder if you can guess who?
A special mention must go to the rare sighting of ‘Geocache Dave’ – last seen roaming the deepest and wettest corners of Dartmoor before Christmas. Blink and you’ll miss him!
Written by Olly Parry Jones