We chose a fine day for our third stage of the walk; virtually perfect, blue sky, sunny, yet not too hot (low single figures ºC). Having (again) found that buses were not running on the displaced bank holiday, we checked out prices for a taxi to get us there from Cheltenham. We were pleasantly surprised to find it a very reasonable £19 for the seven mile run, not much more than three bus tickets and much more comfortable. Marius was soon on his way to collect us and we were off. We took the drop off near the town centre; now quite familiar to us from the three or so visits, the most recent being only four days ago.
We set off from the point we'd left the route previously, heading down Vineyard Street south, then striking out across the fields. The 'Way is marked very clearly at close intervals, so navigation is quite straightforward. We were soon heading uphill fairly steeply, the route leading through woods up to Belas Knap burial chamber.
From Belas Knapp, the 'Way heads SW across the fields, before descending back down to low level through woods heading north. Soon, we arrived at Postlip. The path skirts around the southwest corner of Postlip hall, heading back uphill onto the northern flank of Cleeve hill, in turn leading across the common and on to the Cleeve hill golf clubhouse, where we took the opportunity to stop for refreshment.
After a nice 30 minute recharge with hot chocolate, tea and a very sickly, rich chocolate muffin, we had our water bottle refilled and once again were off!
The views to the west and north from Cleeve hill are very beautiful, especially on such a clear day, with the Cheltenham race course sprawling below and Malvern hills in the middle distance to the NW. The route diverts only slightly to the east, to take in the trig point and a topographic table, depicting all the local hills and points of interest within view. We could clearly see the two small lumps of 'Chosen' and 'Robinswood' hills away to the southwest, the latter being known well to us, since we live at its foot.
Walking along the tops here was a sheer pleasure, even when somewhere above Southam woods it proved to be perfectly soarable flying conditions and me without a paraglider anywhere in sight! Soon Cleeve hill and common, give way to Prestbury hill to the south and by this point I was beginning to feel particularly weary from our exertions. Here the route meanders SW before taking a turn SE and at the turn we encountered a small paddock with a horse and a couple of miniature ponies. We stopped to say hello and take some comical photos of one of the friendlier, more curious guys.
Next the route turns due east, before heading south, first following tarmac'd roads, but soon returning to rural pathways. After several hundred metres it reaches Dowdeswell woods, somewhere near Colgate farm, where a loud, disconcerting crackling could be heard from the overhead high tension power lines. Once the path diverges from the power lines, it starts rapidly descending down to the end of the reservoir, which is unfortunately well hidden from view by the woodland.
Once down to the A40, we took a few more steps onward to Lineover wood car park, since we recognised this would be the starting point for our next stage of the walk. We then backtracked to the A40 and followed it another couple of hundred metres until we came to the Dunkertons Cider shop, which is happily colocated with the 'Boulangerie Artisan'. Here we explored the wares of both establishments and imbibed of a drink of cider, medium dry cold for me and a mulled warm one for Elena. Lara found a suitable soft drink to quench her palate.
Today's journey well and truly walked, we used the Starline app to summon a taxi to return us the three miles back into Cheltenham and our waiting car and sanctuary to get us home. All three of us were thoroughly worn out and more than pleased to arrive home.
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