Day 5: Oakridge Lynch to Upton St Leonards

What did I say about hills? Today was the hardest day so far, and though it was only meant to be 8.4 miles, was actually 12.1 and we didn’t get badly lost, so our premapped route may not be very accurate. I also shouldn’t have mentioned the way marks, which were less evident today and usually pointed back the way we had come.

Anyway after a very comfortable night at the lovely Old Vicarage, we had a late start and had to divert almost immediately as the path was overgrown with nettles. It was only a couple of miles to Bisley where the well had been dressed – must have been fabulous when fresh. Then suddenly we plunged down into the Slad valley (Cider with Rosie, anyone?) with steep elusive paths and a few deserted cottages. Climbing out of the valley and along a ridge, we had lovely views of Painswick.

Down again, this time through two fields of cows, calves and bull (the bull fortunately had something else on his mind) and up to Painswick Beacon, from where we could see a great sweep from south to north, including Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. Very windy up there but most of the day was sunny.

Coming down towards the Severn Plain, we could see our favourite service station ahead (Gloucester on the M5, brilliant) but we turned north to our hotel, the sort which is not quite as posh as it likes to think and has 4 notices telling you not to do things before you get through the front door. Still I forgive them a lot for the jacuzzi bath, which has been enjoyed by me,  Ian and finally our socks and undies. Who needs a washing machine?