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The Motorway M5 is quiet except for the caravans and motorhomes taking advantage of the weather. On arrival we are allocated a pitch ( no 1), which is ideally suited on a Camping and Caravan Club site, due to the limiting pitch size……That is for a motorhome and drive away awning ( 6mtre rule) fine if you are a caravan. We are bathed in sunshine as we have a cup of tea ( Yorkshire Gold) to celebrate our successful pitch up despite the lack of space.
 | After the tea we decide to walk to the nearby village of Gretton. 1.5 miles across a slightly overgrown footpath to join a “B” road, we walk this for a further mile. The village is stunning surrounded by low lying hills. The houses are very expensive, there are several in the million bracket. A “Range Rover” parked in the drive way seems obligatory. The walk back is also 1.5 miles across fields, so a lot safer. |
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A cycle ride to Winchcombe. But first a boiled duck egg ( we purchased last night from near by £1.00 1/2 doz, bargain!) and toast. The B4077 Stow on the Wold road, which runs by the site can be a bit of a race track. We have no choice however to cautiously use it. A short couple of gear changes later and we turn on to a quieter road which takes us to Gretton. Following the road through the Village we THANKFULLY round the base of Langley Hill,although a bit of a struggle its not as bad as the slope we would have had to climb had we turned right to take the B4078. Winchcombe is both beautiful and tranquil with stunning views between the houses of the distant Cotswold Hills. |
 | After a short break and a coffee, we take a tour around the town, before cycling on to the steam railway. Winchcombe station is 3/4 miles away in Greet. It is as if you have stepped back into the steam age before Dr Beeching. The line runs from Greet to Cheltenham, 7 miles away. The line will eventually extend to Broadway |
| After eating Lunch and watching the Train leave, we put on are hard hats, gloves and viz jackets to ride back to camp. We spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up the Sun with a cup of tea. |
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 | Waking up to a sunny morning in a caravan/ motorhome is wonderful. Up early kettle on and breakfast. we are walking to see a Royal residence ( she’s not in). Sudeley Castle the home of Katherine Parre in Winchcombe. The distance is 9 miles there and back, across fields some climbing with brilliant distant views. |
| We start with a grassy track across wheat fields ( harvested), which would be dreadful when wet. The track starts to climb up to Gretton and The Royal Oak. Crossing the road we then start to climb Gretton Hill a rough track leading to Abbey leys Farm a height of 274 mtrs. We stop to sit on stone wall for a coffee, the view across Winchcombe reminds me of Ambleside. I walk the remainder of the route steadily going downhill with a smile. |
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The Castle is £11.00 per person to enter ( personally I would save your money and join the National Trust). However you may be interested in The Tudors so find much to enjoy, or perhaps would just like a posh place for a coffee. After some lunch and an enjoyable walk through the gardens, we head back into Winchcombe and the long walk home. The weather is lovely as we find the campsite, bathed in sunshine. |
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