Upcoming: Minibus (A+) walk, Dursley Heights (Cotswolds), Sunday 1st July 2012

At least we start on top of a hill today, Stinchcombe Hill at about 690ft on the Cotswold Escarpment. Contouring around the combe to Drakestone Point on the Cotswold Way, we get fantastic views of the Severn Estuary and both bridges across it. Heading steeply down – tie your boots properly Richard, or it will be a black nail day! – on an unfrequented path and a short lane we approach the steep 380ft climb to the William Tyndale Momument on Nibley Knoll. Tyndale was the first to translate the Bible into plain English, this attempt to de-mystify the Church got him burnt at the stake for his trouble, after first being choked and impaled.

After again admiring the views, we rejoin the Cotswold Way to contour around the edge of the escarpment, through woods to a surprise view at Wotton Hill by a clump of protected trees. Here we descend to the Old London Road, a narrow lane, for a mile of road walking – single file will be the safest way – before heading across field paths and descending through woods to Waterley Bottom – Lovely name!

There is a height nearby called Breakheart Hill, I couldn’t work it into our walk, but it aptly describes all today’s hill climbs.

A steep pull from here takes us to the woods above Uley, where a rough descent down the other side of the escarpment brings us to cross field paths below the prehistoric stronghold of Uley Bury, 2,500 years old and a massive 32 acres. Another steep 460ft ascent takes us to the highest point of the day at 750ft, again with incredible views.

Once again we pick up the Cotswold Way for the descent and the brief, but steep direct climb up to Cam Long Down. This is a short but superb ridge walk, with 360^o views to the Malverns, May Hill, the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. Field paths along the Cotswold Way take us easily through Dursley and past the Market House for the last kicker of the day, a 400ft very steep climb back up to Stinchcombe Hill.

Enjoy the Day, Paul & Chris