Day 7 - Monday 20 June 2022
Selsley to North Nibley (14 miles)
The terrain today was very Fudge friendly and whilst the sun shone, the temperatures were well within our pooches safety zone due in the main to having light breezes. Today I would be meeting up with a walking pal Brian who I would rendezvous with at a spot called Coaley Peak and then we would walk together to North Nibley where we would be met by Angie. Brian lives in Wotton-under-Edge where we would be staying tonight at The Swan and we had arranged to have dinner there with him, his wife Jules and their son Mike.
On the side of the wall of The Bell Inn is this map of Selsley placed there commemorating the Queen's Jubilee
As befits a pub of the name - Bell topiary
After a quick cuddle and paw waxing we were almost ready for the off - sunny with light breezes today and grassy terrain
Looking down to Stroud and my route from yesterday
All Saints Church in Selsley - it was near here I was approached by a frantic chap who was looking for his dog. He'd lost his Whippet nearby and asked me to keep a lookout when I crossed the common - I hope he found it.
Looking back to Selsley as I begin my walk up on to Selsley Common
The toposcope on the summit of Selsley Common - the feature was installed by King's Stanley Parish Council
Looking down to Middleyard from Selsley Common
Leaving the common I enjoyed this lovely transit through Pen Wood
In Pen Wood I passed a witches Car Park
The Neolithic burial mound of Nympsfield Long Barrow. Built over 5500 years ago by early farming communities as a burial place for their dead and also to mark their territory.
The toposcope on the summit of Coaley Peak with Dursley and Cam to the left. I had arranged to meet my friend Brian here who lives in nearby Wotton-under-Edge and who would join me for the rest of the days walking over to North Nibley.
Just before the ascent of Cam Long Down we passed through Hodgecombe Farm
Cam Long Down ahead where there was a bit of climbing to be done
Downham Hill from below Cam Long Down. The hill is also known as "Smallpox Hill" because of the smallpox isolation facility that stood on the top of the hill many years ago. It is believed to have been one of the earliest isolation hospitals in England. Masonry from the buildings remains visible at the site.
From Cam Long Down the route passes over Cam Peak seen ahead to the right with Dursley to the left
Chestal House
Entering Dursley the route passes through the bowling club
The War Memorial Gates in Dursley at the entrance to St James Church. The gates were erected to commemorate the men of Dursley who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. The gates were refurbished in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of World War 2.
Dursley Town Hall & Market Place
St James Church in Dursley
With Brian having lunch and a well earned pint of Cider at The Old Dursley Hotel
Glad to hear it
Dursley Golf Club.
At the clubhouse the Cotswold Way does a loop around Stinchcombe Hill which is basically a walk around the perimeter of the Golf Course. There is an option to miss this section out and simply head 1/4 mile to the south west from the clubhouse and meet The Cotswold Way at Grid Reference ST 744 978. It would be a shame to do this though - the walk around Stinchcombe Hill is delightful.
At the clubhouse the Cotswold Way does a loop around Stinchcombe Hill which is basically a walk around the perimeter of the Golf Course. There is an option to miss this section out and simply head 1/4 mile to the south west from the clubhouse and meet The Cotswold Way at Grid Reference ST 744 978. It would be a shame to do this though - the walk around Stinchcombe Hill is delightful.
At the north western end of the golf course is a shelter which was built in memory of Sir Stanley Tubbs. An ex MP, he was a former President of the Golf Club and, following a threat of housing development managed to purchase the land to preserve both the hill and the golf course.
The summit of Stinchcombe Hill with Toposcope & Trig Point
With Fudge on the summit of Stinchcombe Hill
Near Drakestone Point is another commemoration to Sir Stanley Tubbs. This stone seat was placed here in 1936 by the inhabitants of Dursley and District to say thank you to him for making the hill and woodlands free to the public.
A glorious view over towards North Nibley with the Tyndale Monument visible in the distance
Heading over the rolling lush farmland to North Nibley
Really nice of the owners of this house to provide a free water supply to thirsty walkers
Entering North Nibley we were welcomed by a few of the smiling locals
Journey's end at North Nibley's Black Horse pub and what better way to end it than a nice cool pint of Cider. Angie met us here and transported myself & Brian to Wotton-under-Edge and our digs for the night. We met up with Brian, his wife Jules and their son Mike for a very nice evening meal at The Swan where we were staying.
Whilst a pleasant stay and a very nice evening meal here, Breakfast was disappointing unfortunately.
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Day 7 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
14 miles
79.6 miles
6hrs 40mins
2808ft (856m)
79.6 miles
6hrs 40mins
2808ft (856m)