Rambling in Welford, and medieval pub.

Another freezing start to the day, with rain forecast later, so we decided to get out while we could and follow some of the myriad of public footpaths that crisscross the Cotswold villages.
We started up Chapel St where we're staying, along Pear Tree Close (yes, really!) on to a Bridle Path that runs beside the Avon. It got muddier and muddier and we resigned ourselves to cleaning our boots on return.
After about half an hour we came out in a tiny hamlet of about 6 houses with a church styled like a castle that still holds weekly services. We explored both the church and gravesites adjacent. Just amazing.

Little old church, still in use.

Then found an honesty-box farm-shop and pleasant locals who directed us to another public footpath that would take us home. It crossed paddocks which had been tilled (in otherwords mud), and another paddock that had been sown, we felt very guilty walking over it. 

Where are we again?!

Walked along a fence-line until we found an entry to another footpath, so took that, and eventually found ourselves by the Methodist church 2 doors away from our cottage! 

Scraping off the mud

A good hour's ramble in the cold and wind, and exhilarating.
Home where Paul cooked a lovely chicken stirfry for a late lunch while I did a load of laundry - this time managed to wash it instead of drying it!!!!!
Around 3pm the weather was closing in but we couldn't face the thought of 7 hours inside before bed so after googling historic places we set off to the only inn owned by the National Trust, the Fleece, about a half hour drive away. Through some more gorgeous villages, we arrived at the Fleece to wonder again at the architecture and character. Popped in for a cuppa by the fire and to soak up the atmosphere of days past.

The Fleece Inn

Inside the Fleece

Home for cheese, crackers, sliced raw veges and a glass of wine. Loving the light teas.
Amelia packed to take the train to London tomorrow to have some sibling time. We'll catch up with her in York next week when we all meet up again for Christmas.
Another step of our journey is over. Storing up so many memories!