Escape to the Cotswolds

Monday marked the end of England's Stay at Home Covid rule, consequently we found ourselves free to wander the English countryside at will, so long as we returned home at night. The Cotswolds beckoned!

An hour's drive brought us to Bibury, from where we planned to set off for a 7 mile walk across the rolling Cotswolds countryside to Coln St Aldwyns, then back along the banks of the River Coln to Bibury.

First, though, a look around the most famous part of Bibury – so famous that it even appears in the new UK passports.  Arlington Row dates back to 1380, when its buildings were used to store wool. They were converted into cottages in the 17th century and are now in the care of the National Trust. 

 

 

A friend of mine visited Bibury a few years ago, joining throngs of Japanese visitors.  He recalls that "Private" notices on these cottages were written in English and Japanese.  Now the Japanese tourists can't come and the "Private" signs have disappeared.  You might imagine visitors realise that these are homes of people who deserve some freedom to go about their lives... but read on.

I hope you're not offended by the car in the foreground of this photo.  Back in February 2017 a car parked on that spot made headline news when it was vandalised by brainless idiots who claimed that it spoiled the view.  Poor Mr Maddox! I sincerely hope that his insurance company coughed up for the repairs (estimated at £6000) and that he lives henceforth in peace and security.

On with the walk, past the cottages and up the delightfully named Awkward Hill.  One of the delights of the Cotswolds in the abundance of odd place names, like this one...

 

After a picnic – how nice it is to legally picnic once more – we descended to the Coln Valley, intent on exploring Coln St Aldwyns.

The Post Office in Coln was selling take-away homemade cake... very yummy. This little song thrush came right up to my shoes, hoping for some crumbs. I succumbed, of course.

I imagine that the Coln Valley in these parts must frequently flood, judging by the small amount of river bank above the water.  The walk back to Bibury was very pleasant, and not without interest for children – even old ones.

 

Finally, back to picturesque Bibury.

For those unwilling to pay Antique Shop prices, the Parish Church had a splenid collection of bric-a-brac for sale.  The notice invited me to "give what you feel an item as worth." (sic.) I resisted the temptation, but later regretted passing on the chance to buy one of those spendid teapots.

In truth, the item I most admired was that circular table beneath the mountain of crockery.  Sadly, I've nowhere to put it... and anyway, it wouldn't fit in the car.

 

 

This I did like – "A candle of hope that will remain burning in this church for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis."  On this day of newly-restored freedom, it's good to remember those who have suffered greatly, and endured the loss of loved ones, in this ghastly pandemic. A good place, me thinks, to end this post.