ON AN unseasonably warm and sunny day in mid April, Thursday 16, a group of 18 ramblers of various ages met outside the Beacon and Railway pub at Haresfield for a morning walk.

We felt a bit like pioneers after the initial paths, as although walking on official rights of way, (backed up by the GPS) the route was very indistinct, including at one point straddling some barbed wire fencing.

Several people commented afterwards that they hadn't walked that path before, I agreed with them, it was apparent it was little used.

On to part of the Cotswold Way next, and up to the trig point where we had our coffee break with beautiful clear views across the river Severn to the Forest of Dean, and down to both the old and new Severn bridges.

As they say, it was all down hill from there.

Still with all the lovely views in sight. Over one stile we saw a very juvenile baby lamb (possibly born in the night) very wobbly on his legs, but so cute.

Past Tiled House farm, with its striking white walls and black timbers, down to Arlebrooke, going by the thatched cottage, with its gently flowing sparkling stream.

Over the fields, crossing the railway line at two different points, and we found ourselves back at the pub.

We all treated ourselves to a well earned drink (having walked around five and a half miles), and about half of us sampled the delicious fare on offer.

All alfresco, as the weather was so congenial.

If you are interested in joining us on any of the walks, we put on longer ones at the weekends, look us up on the Stroud Rambling Club website.

You can phone the leader or just turn up, we do a carshare system so you may not need to drive.