Birdlip

Well today didn’t stick to the script. It felt like it has been up hill for 22 miles; of course it wasn’t, but it certainly felt like it. I certainly found it tough today.

I left the campsite just before 0900 and covered the 2 miles to Winchcombe in no time, passing the ruins of Hailes abbey. I called into a newsagent for a meal deal as there are no villages between Winchcombe and Birdlip.

I made my way back on the Cotswold Way, starting the incline up to Belas Knap Long Barrow. I got chatting to a couple who had done the Camino!

From the barrow the route cut across farmland before descending through woodland to Postlip. the small hamlet dominated by Postlip Hall.

From here it was an ascent to Cleeve Hill with a head wind. I stopped just before the summit for lunch before continuing. The way follows the edge of the hill range, winding around crags and sharp drops. The path skirts south of Cheltenham, giving lofty views of the city and the racecourse.

Soon I hit a descent before again climbing another steep hill, this one too snaking around the edge, eventually overlooking Gloucester. At this point the light was fading and I still had some distance to cover.

After making my way down I reached Ullenwood. It was 1720hrs at this point and the route took a right through the village. I was really flagging and I sat on a grit box at the side of the road to assess my options.

If I followed the Cotswold Way it ascended another hill or two, continued to snake around the edges before reaching Birdlip; another 4-5 miles at least.

However Google maps showed I was 1.8 miles away from my destination. But meant I would have to follow an ‘A’ road; unless I cut across a woodland park, involving short but steep hill!

It would then join a country road into Birdlip. My options were follow the route, take the short cut or get a taxi; the taxi was very tempting.

I took the short cut. I arrived at the BnB at 1820hrs. 22 miles I covered today. Not bad considering I had little sleep from the wind and owls hooting all last night.

The many hills today slowed me down. Tomorrow it is forecasted for rain and if I’ve calculated it correctly, it’s another 22 miler! Poncho time.