Today’s walk was one planned with SPR and started at Moreton in Marsh which is in the Cotswolds. We did experience mud, (bit of a clue in the name) and rain, wind, sun and rainbows but we had a good day and walked 17.6 kilometres. The we was Annie, Mirella and myself – so familiar companions.
Our path led us from Church Lane passed some allotments and along to a field in a southerly direction away from the town. Having crossed a stream we were chatting away and continued on a very definite track which we then realised was not our route and we had to back track until we came across a gate with a rather discrete sign – much clearer on the other side!
Next to hedgerows skirting passed farm buildings and on until we made a complete right angled turn to go almost due East. Our next marker would be crossing the River Evenlode and a railway line before we came to the actual village of Evenlode. Luckily although the approach was indeed a little ‘damp’ the river was still contained within its banks and there. was a good bridge. Swiftly followed by the railway – however many times I do it, it always seems a little risky crossing the tracks!
Now we are in a green lane and looking for a right turn which alludes us the first time of passing as there are no signs and just a gap in the hedge to a clear path across a field. First signs of rain and a rainbow. By the time I think about my coat the moment has passed!
On a little further and we decide that the wall of the church will give us a little shelter for a quick coffee and snack. As we come out into the village we are aware of several very impressive buildings- certainly plenty of wealth in the past and I suspect also currently.
We are on the road now for quite a stretch but in many ways it is quite a relief from mud! Over the railway line again , quite a flat area and evidence of tributaries into the Evenlode. The colour of these trees caught my eye across the fields.
The lane takes us through a very large and old farm area with some impressive buildings and then brings us in to the village of Broadwell which has a wonderful village green. Although it’s not long since coffee we decide to have an early lunch. This is a large rich village and there doesn’t appear to be a church. Our route takes us out passed the pub and then there is a church and a Manor House detached from the rest of this attractive village.
Now we head out still along a road and then cross the main road which is the Fosse Way, a Roman Road. The road approaches Donnington and we pass around the back of Donnington Manor with it’s walled haha and a view looking out over a wide area. Down through fields and some wooded areas.
We enter our last village – Longborough. This looks very much like somewhere you’d like to live. Many spring flowers are already out and there are several sun trap areas.
As we leave the village we are walking across fields and although our route looks straight forward it does take us longer than we anticipated. Not long before reaching Moreton again we find a plaque which gives an explanation of the route we have followed much of the way – The Monarchs Way. Apparently we have followed the route that Charles 1 followed after loosing the Battle of Worcester.
In 1646 there was also a civil war battle near Donnington.
We did stop to finish our lunch before we came along the back of the town and emerged by ‘Pub on the Marsh’. A thriving town with the weekly market and unfortunately no time for a cup of tea before our transport arrived!
Due to the ground conditions and the wind we all felt quite tired after our 11 mile walk. We had all enjoyed it though and an area to revisit.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 