MEMBERS of Stroud Rambling Club recently enjoyed a six mile circular walk from Avening to Minchinhampton.

The route started along Steps Lane where those who had only seen the Gatcombe Horse Trials on TV were surprised just how big the jumps are.

Approaching Minchinhampton, a sunny slope near Bubblewell was the ideal place to enjoy a quick snack, then across the fields to Forwood and on to the edge of Box before dropping down to Longford’s Mill.

One of our members told us something of the history of Longford’s and it was interesting to see how some of the old mill buildings had been sympathetically adapted for housing.

After a short stretch of road walking above Gatcombe Water, the group climbed up to Longman’s Barn Farm and returned to Avening along Woodstock Lane.

Following a week of poor weather, the afternoon was bright and breezy – perfect for walking – with excellent visibility so that extensive views could be enjoyed from many points along the route.

Stroud Rambling Club has a walks of different lengths and grades every Sunday and most mid-weeks, for details of the programme see stroudramblingclub.org.uk or ask at the Library.