Walk 4: Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill

 A larger party of eight of us set out from Winchcombe in warmer weather today. 

We set off across fields covered in cow parsley and after a while started the long and steep ascent up to Belas Knap, first through fields of sheep with gorgeous views back to Winchcombe

and then through woods, followed by more fields. We broke off from our walk briefly to try the somewhat precarious swing. Luckily there were no mishaps.

After more climbing we eventually reached the prehistoric barrow at Belas Knap. This barrow is over 5500 years old and the remains of at least 38 people are buried within it.

This was a good place to stop for a well deserved rest and a snack.

Walking through more fields, we saw a red kite and a skylark, and discovered a fairy ring, a naturally occurring ring of mushrooms. We didn't spot any fairies though.

A steep descent though woods took us to our lunching spot

after which we walked through Postlip Farm and past the beautiful Postlip Hall, where we reluctantly decided to forego the lovely looking tea garden in anticipation of the cafe at the end of the walk.

From there it was a gentle walk across Cleeve Hill Common to the end of the walk and the welcome cup of tea at the cafe at Cleeve Hill Golf Course.

It was a very lovely day. The total ascent was 1082 feet, the most we have done, with a total descent of 476 feet. We are now 25% of the way to Bath!

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