Hidden Cotswold Tour 28th July 2023
Day two and I was greeted again through the window by John. They were ready to go and we were soon on our way. We stopped briefly outside our shop yard to look at the ‘Cotswold Green’.
I had changed my plan as the weather forecast today suggested it would be better than tomorrow so I decided to change days. In hindsight I should have warned them!
Sheepscombe
It was a good 45 minute drive to get to where I wanted to show them. This was in the steep valleys of Sheepscombe. Tiny, single track roads in damp, moss growing, valleys. The stone and architecture is very different from that of yesterday,
We did manage to get some great views across the valleys especially looking up to Painswick.
Sheepscombe lies in a narrow valley hidden behind the Cotswold scarp, to the east of Painswick. Over time it has undergone several major changes. Five hundred years ago it was sparsely populated, and used as a deer park and hunting ground. The modern village has its origins in the seventeenth century, developing on the back of agriculture and the growing textile trade.
Painswick Beacon
From the deep valley of Sheepscombe it was a complete change of scene as we climbed up to the car park at Painswick Beacon. It was a short but sharp walk to the very top. I was again so pleased that the small trek was rewarded with Kay’s enthusiasm, which is so infectious. John’s added reward was to see the golfers on this course dotted with the extra hazards of walkers!
Painswick Beacon is the site of an ancient Iron Age hill fort in Gloucestershire. Due to it’s height at 283m (928ft), it has arguably some of the best 360 degree views you will find in the Cotswolds. On a nice clear day you can see the Malvern Hills in one direction and the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons in the other.
Painswick
In Painswick we strolled through the church yard. I declined any suggestion to count the 99 yews!
It was time for a cup of coffee. We rejected the first cafe and went to the arts centre where we we were served huge mugs of coffee.
Perfect for a good chat and before we knew it we had drunk all our coffees!
Painswick is quite often referred to as the Queen of the Cotswolds due to its fine buildings of pale grey limestone. These are a reflection of the town’s former prosperity during 300 years of activity in the cloth and wool industry.
Slad
From Painswick we dipped down into the valley again to visit the hamlet of Slad. I had thought we could have lunch in the Woolpack a haunt of the author, Laurie Lee. But, on last week’s recce Jenny had said, that as much as I liked the place, we could not eat here! So my suggestion of lunch up by the golf course was met with a definite ‘yes’ from John. So, off we set 
The Slad Valley has become immortalised by the words of the famous author Laurie Lee, whose classic novel ‘Cider with Rosie’ is known and loved all over the world. This green and tranquil, hidden valley can be found near the towns of Stroud and Painswick.
Minchinhampton Common
The cattle were abundant on the common as were the golfers.
We pulled up to the Old Lodge on the common and initially struggled to find a parking space. With trepidation, I ventured in to ask for a table for three. Fortunately, there was plenty of space and we enjoyed our meals with much happier staff than yesterday. (although, that was not hard to beat!)
Thank you again for treating me. I really enjoy our times chatting over a meal or coffee.
Minchinhampton Common is a 182 hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific. The site is owned and managed by the National Trust. The common is one of the largest grassland commons in the Cotswold area.
Tetbury
We had a brief stop in Tetbury. I pointed out the Chipping Steps and then a quick visit to the Highgrove shop of Prince, sorry King Charles.
The town of Tetbury is proud of its 1300 years of recorded history since 681 when Tetta’s Monastery was mentioned in a charter by King Ethelred of Mercia. Now famous for the annual Woolsack Race.
Cirencester
We stopped in Cirencester and thought it would be good to give them some time on theor own with out me tagging along. I pointed out the church and the shopping areas. I waited by the car for their return. Unfortunately the church was closed, but they could hear an opera singer, and the shops were getting ready to close. My attempt to find the entrance to Cirencester Park failed 
And as dark clouds were threatening I moved to push on to Bibury.
Cirencester, often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds was the second largest town in Britain during Roman times. The market square is dominated by the cathedral-like Parish Church of St. John Baptist which is one of the largest in England.
Bibury
Fortunately, the foreboding clouds came to nothing and the sun even came out as we wandered down to Arlington Row and around Rack Island.
After a few photos of the swans that turned up, as if on cue, as we were crossing the bridge, it was time to move on.
The main attraction of Bibury is Arlington Row. A group of ancient cottages with steeply pitched roofs dating back to the 16th Century.
This image appears on UK Passports.
Route
On the journey home I took the single track road from Upton to Barrington. I have never seen it so busy! We stopped at Barrington Park to look at the folly with the added bonus of watching a herd of fallow deer.
Another lovely day. Thank you for being such great company all day long.
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