The Cotswold Way 2011
Day Zero: 1st May
Weather: Warm sunshine
Route: Manchester to Evesham
As with most LDP's day zero is all about getting down to
the start and relaxing before a new journey begins. The
drive down was OK as we left in the afternoon and managed to
avoid any of the usual congestion around the M6/M5 junction.
This year I had a day zero minus one as we didn't arrive in
Evesham until late afternoon, then ate out before settling
in to the B&B. The real day zero has been a lovely fresh 22deg, almost perfect.
weather and hopefully an indication of what was to come over
the next seven days. In the
morning we had a tour of the grounds of the B&B from John, after an
excellent breakfast from Jill. It was a interesting walking around in the gardens and around the reclaimed pond,
adorned with lots of Evesham Abbey remains that were pinched by
the Rudge family who lived here at the original manor. The
architecture here is intriguing and after a big fire in the
1890’s it was refurbished in an ecclesiastical style with
grand woodwork throughout with an ‘Arts and Crafts’ feel to
it. We were the only guests and have been made to feel very
welcome. Then it was off to Worcester to buy a charger for my
phone, so I can continue blog and save myself a bit of
writing when I get home - for some reason this year I wasn't
very well prepared and found myself rushing around to pack,
a sure-fire way of forgetting something. Luckily this meant a visit to
Worcester to see the old potteries and the cathedral, which is so long that Usain Bolt would
struggle to get going. A great building that’s well worth a
visit, followed by a visit to a cafe for tea and a toasted
teacake – yum. Unfortunately the museum wasn't open on the
day we visited, but no doubt it would have been very busy
due to this being a long bank holiday weekend - poor
planning I know. A visit to M&S for some sandwiches was followed by a visit
to Chipping Campden and onwards to Hidcote Gardens. The
gardens are delightful but it was a little bit busy for
me, very nice even though it was a little early for
the herbaceous plants. The tulips were still just about in
bloom and were very colourful. Another place well worth a
visit, but be early to get the best views - it's now owned
by the National Trust. Then it was back to Chipping Campden for
more tea and a
visit to the start of the Cotswold Way – time to start my
engine and cut my toenails for tomorrow’s walk of 16.6miles
to Winchcombe. I’m looking forward to it – my first journey with
a bumbag.
The forecast is ok and the football results were brilliant
over the weekend - Manchester City looked destined to
qualify for next years Champions League. Back at the B&B I had a good faff about
with my gear, charged the phone and then went out for a
curry – pity anyone who is behind me In the morning!
a pleasant stroll around the gardens
A gargoyle from the remains of Evesham Abbey
The house from the grounds
West Wing Abbey
