Kingham to Bourton on the Water, 8.5 miles (02/08/24)

Attendees; R.Jones, H.Jones, N. Bridges, P. Bridges, N. Graham, D. Chambers, P. Cotterell, M. Simmonds, K. Freeman, P. Freeman (10).

Glad of the early start as the weather was gloriously hot. The train arrived at Worcestershire Parkway driven by my driver manager Vicki Pinson. Really pleased that Kim and Vicki finally met in person as Vicki has been instrumental in providing both Kim and I with help and support over recent years.

The GWR arrived into Kingham on time and after a short walk we arrived at the church in Bledington where we met up with Phil and Mary who had spent the night at the Kings Head Inn.

We had a look around the church which was built in 1150 then headed off down the Oxfordshire Way through meadows, broad bean and wheat fields that had yet to be combined.

By now it was starting to get really hot so after a short stop for a drink we carried on through woodland to the village of Icomb. We were taking a photo of us all by the war memorial when a kind lady came out of her house and offered to take our photo. As this was rural Gloucestershire I had no worries that she would run off with my phone, so her offer was gratefully accepted.

Whilst making a short ascent to Icomb Proper we passed a scantily clad individual that could only be described as a Jimmy Savile lookalike. Undeterred we ploughed on through woodland and a dingly dell to the Greystones nature reserve and finally into Bourton on the Water.

Bourton was very busy and full of day trippers taking advantage of the lovely weather. Many families having a picnic beside and having a paddle in the clear waters of the River Windrush.

We then made our way up to the Hawkstone Brewery for some much deserved food and drink. Sadly Clarkson and Kaleb weren’t around but their refreshments were gratefully received.

After taking the bus through Stow on the Wold to Moreton-in-Marsh we said goodbye to Hugh and Ros and the rest of us trudged over to the Black Bear for some more Cotswold fare enjoyed in their delightful courtyard garden before catching our train back home.

A lovely day out and great company as always.