Chedworth Dec 5

Finally we are almost well again, and able to venture out for a little amble round one of the quaintest villages we know. Chedworth is a tumbling fairytale village - albeit with a profusion of tangled telegraph wires and poles which lurch drunkenly over the winding lanes.

Meandering through clusters of delightful cottages -

- and passing a stout old church - here it is, looking back, nestling solidly above its flock.

The walk itself is nothing extraordinary - but then, we are spoilt and have many other pretties in our menagerie of rambles. There is a long climb up and out of the village -

and at the winter scenery is desolate.

Even the woods are a bit scrubby and dull, though we did find a tiny troll village. No-one at home today.

Our route led us on for about 2 miles, past Chedworth Roman villa and to the outskirts of Yanworth, one of our favourite scenic walks. If one was up to it - which we weren't, being out of condition - one could extend the route to encompass it, adding an extra 3 miles to a four mile circuit. But I was huffing and puffing after an hour, and glad to get to the last lap - where Andy and his mother waited.

Across winter greens towards a bleakly overcast sky.

And back to comfy Chedworth, via a side route. Fires are already smoking.

Down into the valley and back up through tiny streets, dolls house cottages and neat country gardens.

The church seen distantly from another road.

And past a gushing natural spring

Back to our start point, just as the rain started and home to tea and cake. Our neglected walking legs felt rather wobbly, but it was so good to be out, even in the melancholy winter.