Birdlip to Painswick

Last night I gave my feet some special attention.  A one hour soak in the bath and plenty of toe wiggling.  It seems to have worked, although I did receive a few stares when I dined in the restaurant in my bare feet.  

Now here's something new! For once the walk did not start with a steep climb but actually went downhill.....yes downhill.  For the first 20 minutes we descended on paths

through a mixed conifer and beech plantation. And we actually overtook 4 walkers!  Not real walkers like us of course.  They were doing the Cotswolds Way in day stages over several months. However they were English.  Until now all the walkers we have met have been American, Australian or Canadian. Are we just a nation of couch potatoes?

View from the top of Coopers Hill

We stood at the bottom of Coopers Hill and wondered how it was possible that every year racers hurl themselves down the hillside in the famous cheese rolling competition.  The path bent around and climbed to the top of the hill. From the top the prospect was simply terrifying.

After more beautiful woodland the path crossed a golf course and passed besides ramparts of Painswick Beacon,  the remains of an impressive triple fortified Iron fort. 

Finally we walked along the road into Painswick and admired the sculptured yew trees that filled the churchyard.  The village pub was hosting a real ale festival.  The mad goose bitter from the Purity Brewing Company was a fine pint!

Painswick

 

48 miles covered. Nearly half way.  At one point yesterday I thought I could not continue, but now, relishing the prospect of a day off tomorrow, I feel optimistic we will start next week with renewed confidence.